Does Excess Weight Cause Chronic Pain?

My patient, Mary, was told by her doctor that her excess weight was the cause of her chronic knee and back pain and that if Mary lost weight, her pain would go away.

Though Mary recognized that her excess weight was not good for her health in general, she wondered if it could actually cause her chronic muscle and joint pain. She rather doubted it; because there was a time when she had a thin body, but still had knee and back pain.

Mary brought up a very good question.

There are many reasons for being overweight.  Among them are: improper or inadequate nutrition, hormonal imbalances, overeating, lack of exercise and taking drugs (prescription or otherwise).

Excessive weight can cause health problems such as diabetes, heart, liver and kidney problems, just to name a few.  But does excessive weight cause chronic pain?

The answer is No.  In fact, the reverse is more likely to occur. Chronic pain can cause weight gain.

More specifically, if you have a severe inherited, abnormal foot structure, such as the PreClinical Clubfoot Deformity, you may be living in so much pain that moving more than a few feet (without excruciating pain), is simply not possible.  Let's face it; pain at the slightest movement is a definite deterrent to playing tennis or walking around the golf course. 

This dire situation is like a vicious circle:  Because your severe abnormal foot structure is not being diagnosed and effectively treated, your joints are inflamed and you are in a great deal of pain. Being in such pain prevents you from getting enough exercise and as a result, you gain weight.  This excess weight puts a greater stress on your joints, causing considerably more pain. Getting enough exercise is even more difficult, so you do less, causing more weight gain.

What is the answer?  If you have a severe inherited, abnormal foot structure (such as the PreClinical Clubfoot Deformty) that will most certainly place you in agonizing chronic pain, the answer is to have it effectively treated. 

The PreClinical Clubfoot Deformity can be effectively treated by Rothbart Proprioceptive Therapy.  As your joint inflammation goes away and your body heals, you will then be able to once again 'kick up your heels', move your body around and have some fun!  As a result of your newfound activity level, your excess weight should start to melt away along with your pain.

To read more about the PreClinical Clubfoot Deformity, read:  The PreClinical Clubfoot Deformity Can Cause The Most Debilitating Symptoms Of Chronic Pain.

and: Abnormal Foot Structures That Cause Chronic Pain

Why struggle with temporary fixes and treatments that only work in the short term when you can be free, once and for all, of the chronic muscle and joint pain that is making your life miserable?

As you learn more about my innovative therapy, you may find that addressing and effectively treating your foot structure may be the missing link to ending your long time battle with unrelenting muscle and joint pain.

If you have questions about what's involved in being treated with Rothbart Proprioceptive Therapy, see our FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) Page by clicking here.

If you would like to contact me regarding an appointment to resolve your pain, click here.

Professor/Dr. Brian A. Rothbart
Chronic Pain Elimination Specialist
Discovered the Rothbarts Foot and PreClinical Clubfoot Deformity
Developer of Rothbart Proprioceptive Therapy
Designer of Rothbart Proprioceptive Insoles
Founder of International Academy of Rothbart Proprioceptive Therapy
Author of Forever Free From Chronic Pain