Improving outcomes in osteoarthritis and low back pain

Osteoarthritis and low back pain cause significant pain and disability. This thesis aimed to identify new approaches to improve outcomes of these conditions. For osteoarthritis, this included a more comprehensive identification of obesity risk with body mass index and waist circumference and managing obesity by including preventing weight gain. Patient preferences in the management of osteoarthritis and back pain were considered. Metformin was evaluated as a potential to address patients' needs for a medication in osteoarthritis. Inflammation was reviewed in the exploration of causes of back pain. The importance and approaches to reducing cardiovascular disease burden in arthritis is presented.