Chronic back pain is a common and debilitating condition among individuals with obesity. Excess body weight places continuous strain on the spine, intervertebral discs, and surrounding muscles, leading to structural changes and persistent discomfort. Abdominal fat shifts the body’s center of gravity forward, increasing spinal curvature and stress on the lower back.

Over time, this altered biomechanics contributes to disc degeneration, muscle fatigue, nerve compression, and reduced spinal flexibility. Obesity-related inflammation further exacerbates pain by sensitizing nerve pathways and impairing tissue healing. Many patients experience daily back pain that limits mobility, sleep quality, and work performance.

Conventional treatments such as pain medications, physiotherapy, and spinal injections may provide short-term relief but often fail to address the underlying cause when excess weight persists. As pain limits physical activity, patients may experience further weight gain, worsening symptoms and creating a vicious cycle.

Bariatric surgery addresses chronic back pain by reducing mechanical load on the spine and improving overall body alignment. Sustained weight loss decreases pressure on spinal structures, improves posture, and reduces inflammation. Patients frequently report improvement in back pain severity and frequency within months of surgery.

Weight loss also enhances the effectiveness of physiotherapy and rehabilitation programs by allowing patients to engage in strengthening and flexibility exercises more comfortably. Improved mobility supports long-term spine health and reduces reliance on pain medications.

Pre-operative assessment includes evaluation of spinal health and identification of contributing factors. Post-operative care emphasizes gradual physical conditioning, ergonomic education, and lifestyle modification.
By targeting the root cause of obesity-related back pain, bariatric surgery offers a durable solution that improves function, comfort, and quality of life.