Lee et al. HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine (2020) 1:5 https://doi.org/10.36518/2689-0216.1102 Clinical Review Adipose Tissue as Pain Generator in the Lower Back and Lower Extremity: Application in Author affiliations are listed Musculoskeletal Medicine at the end of this article. Se Won Lee, MD ,1 Craig Van Dien, MD ,2 Sun Jae Won, MD, PhD3 Correspondence to: Se Won Lee, MD Abstract Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Description MoutainView Medical Adipose tissue (AT) has diverse and important functions in body insulation, mechanical protection, energy metabolism and the endocrine system. Despite its relative abundance in Center the human body, the clinical significance of AT in musculoskeletal (MSK) medicine, partic- 2880 N Tenaya Way, 2nd Fl, ularly its role in painful MSK conditions, is under-recognized. Pain associated with AT can Las Vegas, NV 89128 be divided into intrinsic (AT as a primary pain generator), extrinsic (AT as a secondary pain (
[email protected]) generator) or mixed origin. Understanding AT as an MSK pain generator, both by mechanism and its specific role in pain generation by body region, enhances the clinical decision-making process and guides therapeutic strategies in patients with AT-related MSK disorders. This article reviews the existing literature of AT in the context of pain generation in the lower back and lower extremity to increase clinician awareness and stimulate further investigation into AT in MSK medicine. Keywords adipose tissue; fat pad; musculoskeletal pain; connective tissue; lipodystrophy; lipoma; obe- sity; lipedema; pain generator Introduction lower extremity, focusing on its pathogenic role Mounting evidence supports the various func- as a pain generator as well as practical diagno- tions of adipose tissue (AT), most notably its sis and management.