The DFW Bariatric Institute Doctors have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.
The Effects of Obesity
on Back & Joint Pain
If you struggle to maintain a healthy weight, and you also experience back or joint pain, know that you are not alone. Over 80% of Americans experience chronic back pain and more than 1 in 3 are also obese.1,2 The weight loss doctors at DFW Bariatric Institute, in conjunction with the chronic pain specialists at DFW Spine Institute, explain the connection between excess weight and back or joint pain, and outline some of the steps you can take if you suffer from chronic pain that may be caused or exacerbated by obesity.
How Excess Weight or Obesity Can Affect the Spine and Joints
A healthy spine is integral to overall health. Among other things, the spine supports and distributes body weight to allow for proper movement and mobility. Excess weight can place a burden on the spine, particularly the lower back. Studies show that carrying any amount of body weight that would cause one to be considered overweight or obese can directly cause lower back pain.3 Additionally, people with obesity who also have weak abdominal muscles may experience curvature of the spine as excess weight in the midsection causes the pelvis to shift forward.
Joints, such as the knees and hips, also play a major role in our ability to move comfortably. Due to gravity and the way that body weight is distributed, the pressure on knee joints can be approximately three times the actual weight. That means that an extra 30 pounds of body weight can put an extra 90 pounds of pressure on your knees, which can lead to pain and accelerated wear and tear of the joints. Spine and joint conditions that can be linked to obesity include osteoarthritis, herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis.
Can Weight Loss Alleviate Back or Joint Pain?
If you suffer from frequent back pain or knee pain, many doctors agree that losing weight may help alleviate symptoms. While there are many factors that can contribute to back and joint conditions, there are also many health benefits to weight loss. At DFW Bariatric Institute, we recognize that it can be extremely difficult to achieve weight loss success on your own. We’ve helped thousands of patients lose weight, maintain their weight loss, and live healthier, more active lives. We know that every patient’s challenges are different, and we offer personalized treatment plans to fit your medical history and health goals. Our weight loss solutions include non-surgical treatment options, such as Medical Weight Loss Program, Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG), or gastric balloon, as well as surgical options such as Gastric Sleeve and Gastric Bypass.
Chad’s Weight Loss Success
Gastric Sleeve Surgery
“Since the surgery I have been able to exercise without days of knee and back pain afterward. As a firefighter, the weight loss has made my job much easier and I no longer fear having a heart attack while on the job.” — Chad
Exercise to Treat or Prevent Back Pain
People who suffer from chronic back or knee pain may avoid exercise for fear of making their pain worse. But the right exercise program, under the direction of a medical professional, can actually relieve or prevent some pain! Physical activity is important to strengthen the muscles around the spine and joints, which can help protect them from damage. Keeping in mind that you should always check with your physician before starting an exercise program, here are some types of workouts that may be beneficial for back or joint pain:
- Walking Studies show that a walking program can help prevent and manage chronic back pain.4
- Yoga A consistent yoga practice can strengthen muscles and improve posture.
- Strength Training Weight lifting guided by an experienced trainer can improve core muscles to stabilize the spine and alleviate pain.5
- Swimming Swimming is a low-impact exercise and can be a great workout for people with joint pain.
Medical Treatment Options for Back or Joint Pain
If you are suffering from chronic back pain, an experienced spine specialist may be able to diagnose and treat your pain in order to recommend options for pain relief. Even if you are currently participating in a weight loss plan that you hope will alleviate some of your pain, you may want to ensure that you understand exactly what is causing your pain and rule out any degenerative conditions, which could worsen without treatment. Patients in the Dallas area can find chronic pain specialists and laser spine surgeons at DFW Spine Institute, specializing in laser. Offering advanced diagnostic tools, non-surgical treatments, and alternative pain management, the doctors at DFW Spine Institute may be able to help you find relief from chronic back or joint pain.
Contact Us
If you are suffering from chronic back or joint pain that may be caused by excess weight, take the first step toward a healthier and more active lifestyle. Contact us at DFW Bariatric Institute to learn about your weight loss options and schedule a consultation at one of our convenient locations in Colleyville, Frisco, or Rockwall, Texas.
References:
1 Rubin Dl. Epidemiology and Risk Factors for Spine Pain. Neurol Clin. 2007; May;25(2):353-71
2 National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-statistics/overweight-obesity
3 American Journal of Epidemiology, Volume 171, Issue 2, 15 January 2010, Pages 135–154, https://doi.org/10.1093/aje/kwp356
4 BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2010; 11: 205. Published online 2010 Sep 13. doi: 10.1186/1471-2474-11-205
5 J Phys Ther Sci. 2015 Mar; 27(3): 619–622. Published online 2015 Mar 31. doi: 10.1589/jpts.27.619
Patient Testimonials
Janet S.
Lost 93 pounds*
"93 pounds later, I have a whole new life. I’ve gone from a size 24 down to 10-12. I no longer have high blood pressure or high cholesterol. My knees, which were in sad shape before surgery, don’t hurt anymore. I joined a gym and participate in water aerobics and a latin impact aerobics class. My whole life has changed. I have much more confidence in myself and love to be with people."
Vivian P.
Lost 140 pounds*
“First off….this surgery will give you your life back. It is a total life changing surgery and I feel like I owe DFW Bariatric my life since they restored mine to me. My weight ballooned up to 273 lbs before my surgery. I have successfully lost and maintained a 140 lb weight loss… This is the most amazing journey that anyone could ever take and the DFW Bariatric Institute staff will all be there to hold your hand and lead you down the road to your success.”
Sherrie M.
Lost 110 pounds*
“I am currently 29 years old and weigh 130 lbs. Before surgery I weighed almost 240 lbs…This is the best thing I have done with my life and would do it again today. It changed my life drastically. My surgeon said to me, 'I can do 50% for you and give you the surgery, but the other 50% is up to you. Your eating, your exercise, your total outlook on life make up the other 50%. And what you want from the surgery is what you will get, and the life you will gain.'”
John E.
Lost 90 pounds*
“I went to a seminar and left there with complete ease, feeling like everyone cared about me and my health. On first office visit I was totally impressed…I never felt rushed in the office, and always felt everyone cared. My surgery was completed and I am now down 90 pounds…The biggest part of recovery comes from the encouragement DFW Bariatric gives. Everyone is always positive and takes the time to explain things in a positive way.”
Kathy D.
Lost 161 pounds*
“There are no words to express the amount of change that weight loss surgery has brought to my life. I am a 54 year old female. There were so many things I was unable to do before the surgery that I blamed on age. It wasn’t my age at all, it was the weight. I am 30 again…The day of my surgery, I weighed 299 pounds. Today I weigh 138 and wear a size 6…I feel so good about myself now. The surgery saved my life!”
Brian S.
Lost 130 pounds*
“After losing 130 pounds, I feel like I have a new lease on life. I was able to stop all of my diabetes, high blood pressure, and my cholesterol medicines. I have always had chronic knee problems and now I am able to run three miles per day without any pain. If I had a choice of doing this surgery again or not, I would definitely do it again. I feel that by having the surgery it not only gave me my life back but it also saved my life.”
Lorna Q.
Lost 107 pounds*
"I have lost the astonishing amount of 107 pounds in less than a year. I feel like I have my life back and I am in control again. All my family and friends are always telling me that I look happier than before and they are right, I am much, much happier than before. I have to thank DFW Bariatric and my husband for helping me throughout this very emotional and amazing journey. I do not regret at all having the surgery, it is one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life.”
Danielle L.
Lost 154 pounds*
“My outlook on life was so different before having my weight loss surgery. I was taking medicine for diabetes, high blood pressure, and depression, and my back, legs, and shoulders hurt all the time which kept me from sleeping. My start weight was 298 pounds. And I am now 144. I’m no longer on any type of medications. My body is the best shape I have ever been in. I am so happy to be where I am today mentally and physically. With my hard work and dedication and with the aid of DFW Bariatric, I am where I want to be. I trust this team with all my heart.”
Dennis H.
Lost 170 pounds*
“At 365 pounds, I was medicated for high blood pressure, diabetes, joint inflammation, and high cholesterol…I was a living example of morbid obesity. I knew then that it was time to do something with my weight…It was not easy to get through all of the hoops that my health plan demanded, but the DFW Bariatric team helped me every step of the way. Today I weigh 195 pounds and feel great! From the time I left the hospital after surgery I have been free from all prescription medications. I can never thank this team enough for giving me back my life."
