ASSOCIATION BETWEEN PAIN SEVERITY AND BODY COMPOSITION CHARACTERISTICS IN INDIVIDUAL WITH NON-SPECIFIC LOW BACK PAIN

Abstract

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is the most common musculoskeletal disorder affecting global health and quality of life. Even though obesity is identified as a risk factor for LBP, the relationship between body composition parameters and pain severity remains unclear. This study aims to explore the association between body composition characteristics and pain severity in individuals with non-specific LBP. Methods: This observational study was conducted at Sri Ramachandra Hospital, Chennai, with 98 participants aged 35 60 years diagnosed with non-specific LBP. Demographic data, body composition parameters (BMI, body fat percentage, visceral fat, subcutaneous fat, skeletal muscle mass, and fat-free mass), pain intensity (measured using the Visual Analog Scale), and physical function (assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index) were collected. Pearson’s correlation analysis was performed to determine relationships between pain severity and body composition indicators. Results: The study found significant positive correlations between BMI (P<0.00, P<0.00), waist circumference (P<0.00, P<0.00), fat mass (P<0.00, P<0.00), fat mass index (P<0.00, P<0.00), visceral fat area (P<0.00, P<0.00) with pain intensity and functional impairment. There was a significant positive correlation between total body percentage and pain intensity (P<0.00). Conclusion: Increased body fat, particularly visceral fat area is significantly associated with greater pain intensity and disability in individuals with chronic non-specific LBP. These findings emphasize the role of body fat distribution in LBP severity and functional impairment, underscoring the need for targeted weight management strategies in LBP treatment.