Weight loss linked to back pain reduction

LOS ANGELES, April 30 (UPI) -- Substantial weight loss following bariatric surgery results in moderate reductions in pre-existing back pain, U.S. researchers say.

Researchers at the University of Southern California analyzed the outcomes of 38 bariatric surgery patients with low back pain over a period of six months.

Dr. Paul Khoueir, Mary Helen Black, Dr. Peter F. Crookes, Dr. Namir Katkhouda, Dr. Howard S. Kaufman and Dr. Michael Y. Wang analyzed preoperative and postoperative data including: age, weight, body mass index, back pain intensity, quality of life questionnaires and disability scores to assess differences in subject characteristics and outcomes.

The pain scale decreased by 44 percent, while the physical health component increased by 58 percent.

"This effect does not appear to be the result of the overall improvement associated with the patient's well being," Khoueir said in a statement. "While this initial research is promising, larger long-term trials are needed to prove the efficacy of this treatment."

The findings were presented by Khoueir at the 76th annual meeting of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons in Chicago.