Relationship between Neuropathic Pain and Obesity

Abstract EN

Objectives.

Overweight negatively affects musculoskeletal health; hence obesity is considered a risk factor for osteoarthritis and chronic low back pain.

This was conducted to determine if obesity affects neuropathic pain, usually considered unrelated to the weight-load on the musculoskeletal system.

Methods.

Using a cut-off body mass index value of 25, 44 patients with neuropathic pain were grouped into a “high-BMI” group and a “normal-BMI” group.

Results.

The numeric rating scale of the high-BMI group was significantly higher than that of the normal-weight group ( P < 0.05 ).

The total NPSI scores were significantly higher ( P < 0.01 ), and the paroxysmal pain and the negative symptoms were more serious in the high-BMI group than in the normal-BMI group.

The high-BMI subjects also had significantly higher SF-MPQ scores ( P < 0.05 ).

However, both physical and mental health status on the SF-36 were comparable between the groups.

Discussion.

Neuropathic pain that did not arise from musculoskeletal damage was higher in the high-BMI patients.

Paroxysmal pain was more severe, suggesting that neural damage might be aggravated by obesity-associated inflammation.

These findings should have needed to be confirmed in future studies.