Low back pain in relation to lumbar disc degeneration.
METHODS
Cross-sectional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study.


OBJECTIVE
To study the relation of low back pain (LBP) to disc degeneration in the lumbar spine.


BACKGROUND
Controversy still prevails about the relationship between disc degeneration and LBP. Classification of disc degeneration and symptoms varies, hampering comparison of study results.


METHODS
Subjects comprised 164 men aged 40-45 years-53 machine drivers, 51 construction carpenters, and 60 office workers. The data of different types of LBP, individual characteristics, and lifestyle factors were obtained from a questionnaire and a structured interview. Degeneration of discs L2/L3-L5/S1 (dark nucleus pulposus and posterior and anterior bulge) was assessed with MRI.


RESULTS
An increased risk of LBP (including all types) was found in relation to all signs of disc degeneration. An increased risk of sciatic pain was found in relation to posterior bulges, but local LBP was not related to disc degeneration. The risks of LBP and sciatic pain were strongly affected by occupation.


CONCLUSIONS
Low back pain is associated with signs of disc degeneration and sciatic pain with posterior disc bulges. Low back pain is strongly associated with occupation.
Luoma
K
K
Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland. kluoma@dlc.fi
Riihimäki
H
H
Luukkonen
R
R
Raininko
R
R
Viikari-Juntura
E
E
Lamminen
A
A
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000473:pathology*; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000473:pathology*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires