The prevalence of postural asymmetry in people with and without chronic low back pain.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the extent of pelvic obliquity and lateral sacral base angle in subjects with and without chronic low back pain (LBP) by using postural radiographs.


METHODS
Cross-sectional, controlled.


METHODS
A Veterans Administration hospital.


METHODS
Veterans and employees with (n=93) and without (n=76) chronic LBP.


METHODS
Postural radiographs.


METHODS
Differences between the mean extent of pelvic obliquity and the lateral sacral base angle in subjects with and without chronic LBP.


RESULTS
The z scores showed no significant statistical differences in the extent of pelvic obliquity or lateral sacral angle in subjects with and without chronic LBP.


CONCLUSIONS
Correction of pelvic obliquity by the use of heel lifts has been used as a modality of treatment for patients with chronic LBP. The majority of the patients in our clinics for whom this modality is used report at least some improvement in their pain symptoms. Because the extent of pelvic obliquity is similar in the subjects with and without chronic LBP, other factors must account for those who benefit from correction of their pelvic obliquity.
Fann
Alice V
AV
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72114, USA. FannAliceV@uams.edu
D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006787:Hospitals, Veterans; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011187:Posture; D015995:Prevalence; D011859:Radiography