Study Shows Diabetics Face Increased Risk of Back Pain

Staying away from sweets is often the main warning and precaution advised to diabetics. However, a new study suggests that if you have diabetes, you might also face an increased risk of back pain. It’s crucial to be aware of these risks and take steps to manage a healthy lifestyle.

A study (R) conducted by researchers from the University of Sydney has depicted that diabetes patients have a 35% heightened risk of experiencing lower back pain and around 24% heightened risk of neck pain in comparison to non-diabetic people.

These findings are based on meta-analyses of several studies linking diabetes with back or neck pain. The results were published in PLOS ONE.

Lower back pain and neck pain are common issues that many adults experience throughout their lives. Statistics reveal that over 382 million people suffer from Type 2 diabetes, which is more prevalent than Type 1.

Manuela Ferreira, Associate Professor at the University’s Institute of Bone and Joint Research and senior author of the study noted that while there is no strong evidence to establish a direct relationship between diabetes and back or neck pain, the study’s findings underscore the need for further investigation.

Ferreira also highlighted that diabetes, lower back pain, and neck pain may be associated, although the exact reasons remain unclear and require more in-depth research.

To better understand the relationship, Ferreira mentioned that Type 2 diabetes and lower back pain are strongly correlated with obesity and lack of physical activity. More data and further exploration are needed to provide concrete evidence.

The study supports the importance of weight control and physical activity in managing back and neck pain risks in diabetics.

Additionally, the study found that diabetes medication could contribute to the pain. The prevalence of neck and back pain among diabetics is rising. If you experience persistent pain, it’s advisable to seek better screening and management strategies to keep it under control.

• Feb 2019
  Written by Somapika D
• Sep 2024
  Edited by Lakshmi Gayatri