The Connection Between a Slipped Disc and Obesity

A slipped disc occurs when an intervertebral disc develops a tear or fissure in its outer wall. This disc wall, called the annulus fibrosus, contains a gelatinous material called the nucleus pulposus. Together, these two components form a strong, highly pressurized, oval-shaped structure that separates adjacent vertebrae and absorbs shock. Over time, however, the intervertebral discs are prone to degeneration and herniation. There are a variety of factors that can accelerate the degenerative process, obesity being one of them. Because the discs, especially those in the lumbar spine (lower back), are tasked with helping to support more than half of the body's weight, in addition to facilitating an extremely wide range of movements, excess body weight only adds to the stress on the discs.

Other Ways that Obesity Affects the Spine

Obesity can also change the way that a person holds their spine. For instance, extra pounds around the belly can cause someone to overcompensate by arching their back. Called lordosis or swayback, this type of posture is very stressful on the discs and the spine as a whole because it exaggerates the back's natural curvature. This could accelerate disc degeneration and lead to a slipped disc in the lower back. And finally, someone who is obese is likely not very active and is not getting the proper amount of exercise. A sedentary lifestyle can wreak havoc on the back and neck, especially the discs, because inactivity decreases circulation. The discs already have extremely limited contact with blood supply (they depend on vertebral endplates to provide them with nutrients from the blood), and cutting off this supply even further means they are deprived of essential oxygen and nutrients found in the blood.

What the Numbers Tell Us

Of course, not everyone who is obese will develop a slipped disc and there are many other factors that can increase the likelihood of disc herniation, including tobacco use, arthritis, age, heavy lifting, and high-impact sports. However, it's no coincidence that both obesity and complaints of chronic back pain are on the rise:

* According to the American Obesity Association, more than 60 percent of Americans are currently considered obese or overweight.
* The American Chiropractic Association reports that half of all working Americans experience back pain.
* Research conducted by The North American Spine Society concludes that the number of Americans who are both obese and being treated for spine pain has increased 67 percent in the last five years.

Will Weight Loss "Cure" a Slipped Disc?

There is no one "cure" for a slipped disc and, although weight loss will take a significant amount of stress off the disc, disc degeneration that has already occurred will not just disappear once extra pounds are dropped. However, the primary cause of lower back pain associated with a slipped disc is nerve compression. This means that material has extruded from the torn disc and is compressing a spinal nerve root, possibly causing symptoms like warm pain, tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness to radiate through the buttocks, legs, and feet. Weight loss, therefore, may take enough stress off the lower back to release the pressure being placed on the nerve. Even if you do decide to lose weight in an attempt to mitigate your slipped disc symptoms, your doctor will also likely recommend that you try a variety of nonsurgical treatments in the process.

Seeking Help from Medical Professionals

Before beginning any regimen of diet or exercise aimed at weight loss, it is imperative that you seek advice and guidance from your doctor, a fitness professional, and a nutritionist. They can help you formulate a safe weight loss plan that takes your spine condition into consideration. Attempting to change your diet or activity level without medical supervision could result in injury or a worsening of your condition.

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