Back pain, Obesity and Osteoarthritis?

In the last week in Back into Alignment podcast we had the pleasure to talk to Physiotherapist Dave Ross from Eramosa Physiotherapy in Guelph, Ontario.

We learn about 5 steps to eliminate back pain and the connection between obesity, low back pain (LBP) and Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) and chronic low back pain (CLBP) are the most common musculoskeletal diseases worldwide and their incidence continues to increase as the population ages. Both of these diseases are characterized by pain and dysfunction, causing serious health problems for patients and a huge economic burden on individuals and society.

Elevated BMI is strongly associated with an increased prevalence of low back pain. Depression and Osteoarthritis of the back are associated with the prevalence, severity, and frequency of low back pain.

Low back pain is one of the most prevalent conditions in the United States. It is the second most common reason for visits to a physician and is a leading cause of absence from work. It has been estimated that the 1 year incidence of any back pain is as high as 36%,and one prospective study found it to be as high as 71% during 10 years. These numbers translate to an estimated direct annual cost of $90 billion and a total cost of $118 billion.

Elevated BMI is strongly associated with an increased prevalence of LBP, but not with frequency or severity. Depression and osteoarthritis of the back are associated with the prevalence, severity, and frequency of LBP.

Key Points

  • Elevated BMI is strongly associated with an increased prevalence of LBP.

  • Depression and osteoarthritis of the back are associated with the prevalence, severity, and frequency of LBP.

  • BMI does not necessarily correlate with the frequency or severity of LBP episodes

Click below to access our 3 , 30 mins video clips where Physiotherapist Dave Ross dives deep into these topics.

References

  1. OARSI ( OA research society international ) 2020

  2. The Association Between Body Mass Index and the Prevalence, Severity, and Frequency of Low Back Pain Data From the Osteoarthritis Initiative

Joa Rivas