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Arthritis Research & Therapy
Published in: Arthritis Research & Therapy 1/2017

Open Access 01-12-2017 | Research article

Fat mass and fat distribution are associated with low back pain intensity and disability: results from a cohort study

Authors: Sultana Monira Hussain, Donna M. Urquhart, Yuanyuan Wang, Jonathan E. Shaw, Dianna J. Magliano, Anita E. Wluka, Flavia M. Cicuttini

Published in: Arthritis Research & Therapy | Issue 1/2017

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Abstract

Background

Determining the association between body composition and low back pain (LBP) will improve our understanding of the mechanisms by which obesity affects LBP, and inform novel approaches to managing LBP. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between body composition and LBP intensity and disability.

Methods

A total of 5058 participants (44% men) of the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle Study were assessed for LBP intensity and disability using the Chronic Pain Grade Questionnaire (2013–2014). Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference were directly obtained. Fat mass and percentage fat were estimated from bioelectrical impedance analysis at study inception (1999–2000).

Results

Eighty-two percent of participants reported LBP, of whom 27% also reported LBP disability. BMI, waist circumference, percent fat, and fat mass were each positively associated with LBP intensity and disability at 12 years after adjustment for potential confounders. LBP intensity and disability showed significant dose-responses to sex-specific quartiles of BMI, waist circumference, percent fat and fat mass. For example, the adjusted OR for LBP intensity in women increased with increasing fat mass quartiles [Q1: 1, Q2: 1.05 (95%CI 0.84–1.32); Q3: 1.25 (1.00–1.57); and Q4: 1.78 (1.42–2.24); p < 0.001].

Conclusions

Fat mass and distribution are associated with LBP intensity and disability, suggesting systemic metabolic factors associated with adiposity play a major role in the pathogenesis of LBP. Clarifying the mechanisms will facilitate developing novel preventive and therapeutic approaches for LBP.
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Metadata
Title
Fat mass and fat distribution are associated with low back pain intensity and disability: results from a cohort study
Authors
Sultana Monira Hussain
Donna M. Urquhart
Yuanyuan Wang
Jonathan E. Shaw
Dianna J. Magliano
Anita E. Wluka
Flavia M. Cicuttini
Publication date
01-12-2017
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Arthritis Research & Therapy / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1478-6362
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13075-017-1242-z

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