Can being overweight give you back pain? 

While the origin of back pain is sometimes unexplained, it is now known that being overweight is a major risk factor for low back pain: a study reveals that the risk of lumbar disc degeneration increases by 30% for overweight people and 79% for obese people.⁸ However, the people concerned are often poorly informed. Are you overweight and suffer from lower back pain? Take part in our survey! The results will allow us to collect concrete information and offer you content tailored to your needs. 

Being overweight is the cause of many ailments 

A sedentary lifestyle, too rich a diet, lack of physical exercise... Our lifestyle promotes weight gain. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2022, 2.5 billion adults (+18 years) were overweight, including 890 million obese¹. In France, nearly one in two adults is overweight, 17% of whom  are obese². 

Today, the links are clearly established between being overweight and cardiovascular disease, diabetes and certain cancers. Another common condition, sometimes very disabling, can also be favoured by being overweight: low back pain. "In a few months, following a significant episode of stress, I gained a lot of weight and I started to feel severe pain in my lower back," says Laure. "My doctor explained to me that my lumbar region was suffering from this overweight." 

What is the impact of being overweight on the back? 

Being overweight is associated with various joint pathologies: hip pain, knee pain and also low back pain. Obesity is the cause of various pathologies, in particular musculoskeletal and joint problems. Weight loss is an essential part of treatment, especially in the case of back pain in overweight people³. 

The link between the latter and weight is not yet fully understood³. At most, weight gain can be accompanied by a decrease in physical condition and an alteration in muscle control of the trunk. In addition, as the stomach grows, it shifts the body's centre of gravity. The natural arch of the back (lordosis) becomes more pronounced, forming a "hyperlordosis". This position puts more strain than usual on the muscles and ligaments of the back and lumbar region, which can cause pain. The discs between vertebrae - which usually act as a shock absorber - can be subjected to excessive pressure, wear out more quickly and cause pain. 

Part of the disc can protrude beyond its usual limits: this is called a herniated disc. Pain can then radiate to the bottom of the leg. 

Overweight low back pain patients are not sufficiently informed 

The links between excess weight and lower back pain are sometimes misunderstood. Overweight people do not imagine that a vicious circle is established between weight, pain and lack of exercise. 

In addition to other obesity-related pathologies (heart failure, hypertension, respiratory failure, etc.), being overweight is frequently associated with joint and muscle pain that further limits mobility and physical activity³. 

Finally, asthenia and shortness of breath on exertion can also contribute to reduced physical exercise capacity. 

How to relieve back pain related to being overweight? 

A drug treatment prescribed by your doctor will initially help you relieve the pain, as will wearing a lumbar belt. But we must not lose sight of the fact that weight loss is one of the major objectives of care for overweight people suffering from low back pain. 

As the road is long and difficult to refine your figure, do not hesitate to be accompanied in your weight loss process, it is a guarantee of success. This is the solution that Laure chose: "I consulted a dietician. We first studied my eating habits, before building a personalized nutritional program. I started to lose pounds and it gave me enough confidence to get back into swimming. A sport that seems ideal to me when you have back pain." Adapted physical activity - swimming pool or gym on the ground to avoid overstraining the joints can contribute to weight loss andreduction of lower back pain. 

Some non-drug approaches can offer relief to overweight patients who suffer from back pain. Physiotherapy, osteopathy, chiropractic, acupuncture, balneotherapy... The techniques are varied. Consult your doctor to choose the ones that will suit you best. 

And why not consider additional psychological care? Cognitive and behavioral therapies are proving effective for many people who want to lose weight. 

More and more, surgical interventions are offered to people who are significantly overweight and who are in a strong weight loss process. These interventions may be accompanied by an improvement in lower back pain and quality of life in some people¹. This type of surgery is associated with a pre- and post-surgical education program in which a large part is given to daily physical activity.