An MRI Analysis of The Lumbar Lordosis Angle and Lumbar Muscle Thicknesses in Patients with Non-Specific Low Back Pain

Authors : Ali Cihan Dağli, Serkan Öner, Zülal Öner, Beyza Yazgan Dağli

Pages : 294-301

Doi:10.18521/ktd.1210087

View : 160 | Download : 354

Publication Date : 2023-10-20

Article Type : Research

Abstract :Objective: This study aimed to examine the relationship of lumbar lordosis angle and lumbar muscle thickness with non-specific low back pain (LBP) through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images. Methods: The study included 96 individuals (43 men/53 women) with non-specific LBP, aged between 18-65 years and had no disc pathology in MRI, who applied to affiliated Training and Research Hospital with the complaint of LBP between March-June 2019. Sociodemographic information was recorded using an LBP assessment form. The Oswestry LBP Disability Questionnaire was used for LBP disability. The thicknesses of muscle (m.) psoas major, m. multifidus, m. quadratus lumborum and m. erector spinae were measured corresponding to the L3-L4 vertebral level by using Radiant DICOM viewer program. The Cobb Angle method was used for lumbar lordosis angle determination. Measurements were made in three repetitions using the Radiant DICOM viewer program. Results: The results showed that an inverse relationship was found between the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and m. psoas major thickness (p<0.05). Given the comparison of right-left side muscle thicknesses, left side muscles were thicker (p<0.05). Comparing LMT between genders, muscle thicknesses were higher in males except for the right m. quadratus lumborum and left m. erector spinae transverse measurements (p<0.05). Conclusions: In regard to inverse relationship between m. psoas major thickness and ODI, m. psoas major should be taken into consideration to alleviate the disability caused by LBP. Additionally, the difference on both sides is likely one of the causes of muscle imbalance, and this might be one of the reasons for LBP, thereby causing disability in daily tasks due to LBP.
Keywords : Bel Ağrısı, Kas Kalınlığı, Omurga Eğrilikleri, Lordoz Açısı, Manyetik Rezonans Görüntüleme, Cobb Açısı