Imaging study of chronic low back pain using quantitative magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between chronic low back pain (CLBP) visual analogue scale (VAS) scores and the T2 values of the discs, intramyocellular lipids (IMCL), and extramyocellular lipids (EMCL) of the multifidus and psoas muscles, spinopelvic alignment, and lumbar range of motion. The CLBP VAS score was significantly negatively correlated with the T2 value of the posterior annulus fibrosus (AF) at the L4/5 level (r=−0.49, p<0.01), significantly positively correlated with the IMCL of the multifidus muscle (r=0.51, p<0.01), significantly negatively correlated with lumbar lordosis (r=−0.41, p<0.01), and significantly positively correlated with sagittal vertical axis (r=0.42, p<0.01). Rich afferent fibers around the posterior AF at the L4/5 level, inflammation associated with increased IMCL, load on the intervertebral disc, intramuscular pressure, and muscle ischemia due to spinal kyphosis may be factors contributing to CLBP.