"This study provides evidence that substantial weight loss reduction following bariatric surgery results in moderate reductions in pre-existing back pain within six months of weight loss. While this at the beginning research is promising, larger long-term trials are needed to prove the efficacy of this treatment," Dr. Paul Khoueir declared in a prepared statement.

Khoueir was expected to immediate the findings in Chicago April 29 at the annual meeting of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons.

According to recent statistics, more than one-third of U.S. adults — more than 72 million people — were plump in 2005-2006. An estimated 75 percent to 85 percent of all Americans will experience some form of back pain during their lifetime.

Obese people are known to have a higher rate of hip and knee arthritis, but that little is known about the extra weight's effect on lumbar spinal degeneration. While obese patients with back pain are frequently advised to lose import, the association between these medical conditions remains unproven.

More information

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke has more relative to remote pain.