How Obesity and Back Pain Are Related

If you ask 100 people if they think obesity can cause back pain, at least 90 of them are going to say yes.

And they'd be right, right?

It seems reasonable to suggest that obesity places undue stress on the pelvis, back, and spine, which would trigger the development of chronic back pain.

However, the association between the two has long been a point of contention between researchers.

You have one group of researchers who believe the cause-and-effect is clearly established.

The excess weight pushes the pelvis forward and thereby strains the lower back.

Then there's another group of researchers who believe that body mechanics alone is a far too simple explanation for a condition that varies significantly from one person to the next.

Even people of similar age, body type, and experience will see varying differences in their back pain or lack thereof.

 

In the article below, we will explain both groups stances, and find out of obesity and back pain are related, or if it's more complicated than that.