Millions of people now take GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound for diabetes or weight loss. Patients ask me two questions about them: will losing weight help my back, and is it safe to have spine surgery while taking one?
Can weight loss help back pain?
Often, yes. Extra body weight increases the load on the discs and joints of the low back, and many patients notice less back and leg pain as they lose weight. Weight loss also lowers the risks of surgery, including infection and wound healing problems, and can make recovery easier. For some patients, it opens the door to less invasive options.
Weight loss does not fix a pinched nerve or a badly worn disc, though. If you have leg pain, numbness, or weakness, those still deserve an evaluation.
Protect your muscle and bone
Rapid weight loss can take muscle with it, and strong core and leg muscles support the spine. While on a GLP-1 medication:
- Eat enough protein, as your doctor or dietitian recommends
- Do strength training, not just cardio
- Ask your doctor whether your bone health should be checked, especially if you are over 50
Having spine surgery while taking a GLP-1
These medications slow how quickly the stomach empties. That matters for anesthesia, because food left in the stomach can be a risk while you are asleep. Guidance on when to stop or continue these medications before surgery has been changing, and it depends on your dose, your symptoms, and the type of anesthesia.
- Tell your surgeon and anesthesia team that you take a GLP-1 medication, including the name, dose, and day you take it
- You may be asked to hold a dose or follow a liquid diet the day before surgery. Follow the instructions you are given
- Do not stop a diabetes medication on your own. Ask the doctor who prescribes it how to manage your blood sugar around surgery
- Mention nausea, vomiting, or bloating before surgery
The bottom line
GLP-1 medications can be a real help for people with back pain and for those preparing for surgery, as long as your whole care team knows you are taking one. If back or leg pain is still limiting you, a spine evaluation can sort out whether the problem is weight-related or something that needs specific treatment, such as a herniated disc or spinal stenosis.
Dr. Kris Radcliff is a fellowship-trained spine surgeon and Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and Neurological Surgery at Thomas Jefferson University.
Schedule a consultation or second opinion
Call 609-800-3472. Dr. Radcliff sees patients in Somers Point, Cherry Hill, and Brick, New Jersey, as part of Progressive Spine & Orthopaedics.
Already have an MRI? Send it to us online before your visit. Fax: 609-842-4040.
Dr. Radcliff accepts most commercial insurance plans and is out of network with most of them. Many Pennsylvania and New Jersey plans have out-of-network benefits, and we can help review your benefits and explain them. Don’t worry. We are all about helping the patients.
This page is general information, not medical advice. Your treatment should be based on an evaluation by your own physician.
No Comments