Can back pain be related to fat in the back? Does insufficient muscle strength and muscle control relate to back pain? A recent study in a Danish Medical Journal (Bio-Med Central Medical) suggests that muscle strength and low back pain are directly related and that individuals should see a physical therapist first for back pain. The study published in January 2007 indicated that a high percentage of adults had infiltration of fat in important spinal muscles called the Lumbar Multifidi. The study also indicated that severe infiltration of fat and low back pain in adults was closely related.

The spine has a rather unique system of muscles that must stabilize the back prior to movement. Contraction of stabilization muscles forms a corset around the spine supporting movement. The two main muscle groups that provide this important support are the Lumbar Multifidi and an abdominal muscle called Transverse Abdominis. When these muscles are weak the system fails and back pain is almost always the result. Having “six pack” abs. is no guarantee to be pain free because rectus abdominis (the six pack muscle) has little to do with back stability. After episodes of back pain, and especially after back surgery, these muscles, and this system, becomes very weak. The result is chronic back pain. Pain medications can cover up this pain, but they won’t change the strength of the system. This is when fat infiltrates the tissue that should be muscle and further degrades the system.

Of course, this only happens in Danes(?)

If you have chronic back pain or are considering back surgery you should see a therapist first. This is especially important if symptoms radiate down the leg.

More on back pain to come...