Weight is always a factor, more pressure on the disc. I think that subject is touchy with a lot of people and therefore one best avoided. Unfortunately with me walking is not an option, can on do very short distances and excercise and this point is also not an option so for me to lose the weight I need to on diet alone in impossible. If possible and over weight then yes absolutely lose those extra pounds.

Yeah, it is just common sense that most diseases are helped by the loss of weight. It's unfortunated how difficult it is especially after 50. When I started trying to lose it was slow and I was very frustrated. A friend told me she had taken Relacore PM and I took it and the pounds starting coming off. It doesn't even have any of that bad stuff in it. As a matter of fact it makes me feel mellow. I won't say try it because you would certainly have to ask your doctor but it worked for me with only constipation as a side effect. :)

I can't believe a doctor would say that. Less weight, less pressure. Find a new doctor! lol

Your doctor is a butthead. Weight is a factor but not generally the main cause it just makes it worse. Glad to hear you're feeling better.

Maybe he just meant that it's not a factor in the sense that weight didn't cause it and losing weight doesn't cure it. But of course losing weight helps you feel a little better. :)

The trick is just to lose the weight, regardless. And yeah, extra weight is especially problematic in terms of sitting. You're legs aren't sharing the load when seated, leaving your lumbar spine to support your upper body weight alone. Congratulations on losing 20. I need to drop 30.

I can not believe the doctor would say that! It not only has a factor on the pain but the disc as well. The more you weigh the more pressure on your back and disc. Not to mention the other health factors with being over weight. I myself am very over weight and I am paying for it dearly with pain, hypertension and other health problems. SO again, I do not know why a doctor would say that, and I would find another doctor if it were me.
I hope you continue to do well with exercise and weight loss. You are doing a very good job. :) Hugs.......Julie

I AGREE WITH JACKIESBIL POINT OF VIEW, in the sense that weight didn't cause it and losing weight doesn't cure it. DAMAGE AS ALREADY BEEN DONE. LOSING WEIGHT IS AN BIG PLUS! BY TAKING PRESSURE OFF THE SPINE. HOWEVER, YOUR PROBLEM WILL STILL BE THERE. IF IT WOULD MAKE YOU FEEL BETTER BY ALL MEANS GET ANOTHER OPINION. I WOULD..

did he NOT hear you? I wish I could walk on a tread mill to lose the weight. Relacor worked for me also, I felt good on it. Probabaly should give it another try!!!

ive had 3 opperations on my back and the less i can do the hevier im getting. The more weight i carry = more preasure on your spine hence more pain.
I would be looking for another doctor hun ;)

Hey I am fat! I take Pred for Shojren's as well as Lyrica and about 6 other weight gaining drug. Not to mention the chronic pain and the fatigue. I am starting a exercise calss in the am...a free one at church. Wish me luck...

I know my weight is a factor but when you throw all the other cards in the ring, well it ain't a winning hand!

Thanks everyone for your comments and suggestions!! I stopped going to that doctor the day he made the remark. He is a "physiologist" whatever that is. They send people for physical therapy and then check on you once in a while. I have stopped going to him and PT. I do it on my own now that I know what to do!I hope everyone does well losing the weight as I know how hard it can be.