Abstract
Purpose
To investigate the association between vertebral endplate signal changes (VESC) and low back pain (LBP).
Methods and materials
This prospective observational study included 344 persons (161 men and 183 women) sampled from the Danish general population. All participants had an MRI and filled in questionnaires at the age of 40 and again at the age of 44. The following LBP outcomes were used: “LBP past month,” “LBP past year,” and “non-trivial LBP”. The type and size of VESC at each endplate level were evaluated using a standardized evaluation protocol. Associations between VESC and LBP were investigated using logistic regression analysis.
Results
The prevalence of any type or size of VESC increased with 10% from the age of 40 to age 44. The prevalence of LBP was generally constant over the four year period. Overall, there was a positive association between VESC and LBP at age 40, but at age 44 this association was no longer present. However, persons for whom large type 1 changes disappeared over the four year period were more likely NOT to report LBP at the age of 44.
Conclusion
Results from this study indicate that the association between VESC and LBP is not as constant as previously thought.
Conflicts of interest: None
Sources of funding: The study was funded by the Fund for Chiropractic Research and Postgraduate Education.
