I am several hundred pounds overweight. I have a bad back from a herniated disc, so I can’t exercise. As a result, I keep gaining weight. Even though I’m considered obese, could I qualify for surgery to remove this disc problem?

There aren’t a lot of studies in this area to provide evidence of the safety of discectomy for patients who are overweight or medically obese. The newer minimally invasive surgeries have fewer complications. This approach may be best for patients with other medical problems such as obesity.

One study has been published showing good outcomes of minimally invasive lumbar discectomy in a small number of obese patients. Everyone in the study had a body mass index over 30 kg/m. BMI of 20 to 24.9 kg/m is considered normal. Obesity is defined as BMI of 30 to 40 kg/m. Anyone over 40 kg/m is considered severely or morbidly obese.

The first step is to see an orthopedic surgeon for an evaluation. Find out what are your options for conservative (nonoperative) care versus surgical management. You may be able to benefit from some medications to control inflammation and pain.

Improved symptoms could make it possible to become more active. Activity and exercise is often a successful way to manage back pain from disc problems. It may be a step-by-step process, but the results could be well worth your time and effort.