Regular movement is required to maintain the health and integrity of many of the tissues of the spine especially the intervertebral disc. The adult disc is particularly vulnerable to prolonged loads because it does not have its own blood supply. The health and integrity of the disc is dependant upon the movement of water and nutrients in and out of the disc. This is a process than requires dynamic movement with compression and decompression. Obesity limits the dynamics of this process thus contributing to premature injury and degenerative changes of the intervertebral disc. Regular activity and exercise stimulates healing and the flow of nutrients and oxygen to the body.

There are many conditions which can contribute to the development of back pain in someone who is obese. These additional factors include sitting in a chair or lying on a bed that does not adequlety support the pelvis and spine. The obese individual is more susceptible to back pain due to inadequate support.