Imagine living with constant back pain while carrying extra weight that strains your spine. A review of studies from 2000 to 2025 looked at metabolic and bariatric surgery for adults with a body mass index of 40 or higher who also suffered from low back pain. These patients underwent procedures like sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass. The goal was to see if losing weight would help their spine and daily life.
The results showed a clear benefit. Back pain scores dropped significantly after surgery. Patients reported better quality of life, especially in physical function and daily activities. Imaging scans also revealed increased disc height and improved spinal curve after the operation. These changes suggest the surgery helps the spine by reducing the heavy mechanical stress caused by obesity.
However, not every result was the same. Changes in how the pelvis and spine aligned together were inconsistent across the different studies. The researchers noted that future studies with longer follow-up and standardized imaging assessments are needed to fully understand these specific spinal changes.