Low back pain in relation to lumbar disc degeneration

Study Design. Cross-sectional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study. Objectives. To study the relation of low back pain (LBP) to disc degenerati on in the lumbar spine. Background Data. 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 type s of LBP, individual characteristics, and lifestyle factors were obtained f rom a questionnaire and a structured interview. Degeneration of discs L2/L3 -L5/S1 (dark nucleus pulposus and posterior and anterior bulge) was assesse d with MRI. Results. An increased risk of LBP (including all types) was found in relati on 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 di se degeneration. The risks of LBP and sciatic pain were Strongly affected b y occupation. Conclusions, Low back pain is associated with signs of disc degeneration an d sciatic pain with posterior dise bulges. Low back pain is strongly associ ated with occupation.