Obesity increases risk of disc degeneration

Older adults who are overweight or obese have a greater risk of developing lumbar disc degeneration than those with a normal body mass index (BMI).

Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) researchers at the University of Hong Kong found that an elevated BMI is associated with an increased risk of disk degeneration and at a greater severity.

Previous research has linked BMI to lower back pain, of which disc degeneration is one of the leading contributors.

The study has confirmed this link and identified the relationship between lumbar degenerative disk syndrome, extent and severity.

It was found that 73 per cent of obese people display disc degeneration, with a 76 per cent prevalence rate in men and a 71 per cent prevalence rate in women.

Age is also said to increase a person's risk of developing the condition.

However, genetics is thought to be a factor in disc degeneration, with two studies confirming a relational basis to symptomatic lumbar disc disease.

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