Associations between obesity, physical and mental function, and low back pain intensity and disability: A 14-year population-based study

Abstract

Objective

This study aimed to examine the associations of overweight/obesity, physical function and mental function with back pain intensity and disability.

Design

A 14-year population-based study based on Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle Study. Body mass index and the SF-36 Survey were used to determine baseline overweight/obesity and physical and mental status respectively. Back pain intensity and disability were assessed using the Chronic Pain Grade Questionnaire.

Results

Participants with overweight/obesity only had higher odds of high-intensity pain and high disability (OR:1.61 95%CI(1.28–2.02); 1.48 (1.12–1.97) respectively), but not low disability (OR:1.22, 95%CI 0.99–1.50), compared to those with neither overweight/obesity nor impaired physical function. However, those with overweight/obesity and impaired physical function had a 9.5 (95%CI 6.32–14.1) and 7.8 (95%CI 5.60–10.8) times higher odds of high-intensity pain and high disability respectively. Compared to people with normal weight and mental function, participants with overweight/obesity only had 1.5-times higher odds of both high-intensity pain and disability (95%CI(1.19–1.97); (1.12–1.99) respectively). Those with overweight/obesity and impaired mental function had 4.2-times (95%CI 2.97–5.93) higher odds of high-intensity pain and 2.9-times (95%CI 2.11–4.16) higher odds of high disability compared with participants without overweight/obesity or impaired mental function.

Conclusions

These findings highlight that among individuals with overweight or obesity significantly impaired physical and mental functions are important in identifying those at risk of having high-intensity back pain and high disability 14 years later. Examining changes in weight and physical and mental health over time is warranted and targeting these factors together may help reduce the huge burden of back pain in the community.