The effect of obesity on treatment outcomes for low back pain.

Stanley C. Ewald,Eric L. Hurwitz,Anupama Kizhakkeveettil

doi:10.1186/s12998-016-0129-4

Abstract

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to estimate the effect of obesity, as measured by body mass index (BMI), on treatment outcomes for low back pain (LBP).MethodsData from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Friendly Hills Healthcare Network low back pain study (collected from 1995 to 2000) were used to perform a secondary data analysis of this randomized clinical trial on adults who sought care for LBP. BMI was the primary predictor variable. Binary logistic regression modeling was performed to estimate odds ratios adjusted for the effects of confounders.ResultsUsing normal weight as the referent population, underweight and overweight populations did not display significant odds ratios for any of the outcome variables. The obese population demonstrated odds ratios of 0.615 (0.379, 0.998) for improvement of disability and 0.550 (0.341, 0.889) for improvement of most severe back pain.ConclusionThe results of this study support an association between obesity and less effective treatment outcomes whether measured by disability (Roland-Morris scale) or pain (most severe pain NRS). Overweight and underweight populations do not appear to have significantly different outcomes than normal weight populations.Trial registrationThis trial was designed and conducted prior to the advent of registries.

Highlights

The objective of this study was to estimate the effect of obesity, as measured by body mass index (BMI), on treatment outcomes for low back pain (LBP)
This study examined the relationship between BMI and LBP treatment outcome
In an attempt to assess the soundness of recommending weight loss as a treatment for LBP, this study attempted to evaluate the role of BMI on participants’ responses to treatment for LBP

Summary

Introduction

The objective of this study was to estimate the effect of obesity, as measured by body mass index (BMI), on treatment outcomes for low back pain (LBP). In the United States, low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common medical burdens to cause loss of work time and disability [2, 3]. A number of epidemiological investigations have been performed to determine the work-related risk factors that lead to LBP. It has been found that occupational factors such as prolonged sitting and standing, awkward lifting, and kneeling highly contribute to LBP [5, 14]. Even though genetics play a role, research showed that individuals with LBP often engage in tedious jobs that require lifting objects or sitting and standing for long periods of time [6]

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