Obesity, Vascular Disease, and Lumbar Disk Degeneration: Associations of Comorbidities in Low Back Pain.

Low back pain and obesity are both rising epidemics. This article will examine global trends in obesity, contributory lifestyle and societal factors, and morbidity and mortality associated with cardiovascular disease. With this background information, this article will explore the complex physiological process of atherosclerosis and the association between impaired lumbar perfusion and low back pain. It also will provide specific guidance on exercise and nutrition to help treat these potential underlying and contributory mechanisms of spine pathology. Collectively, the article will highlight the necessity of a broader prescriptive to treat the epidemic of low back pain ideally. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Not applicable.