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European Spine Journal

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01-02-2013 | Original Article

A longitudinal study for incidence of low back pain and radiological changes of lumbar spine in asymptomatic Japanese military young adults

Authors: Osamu Nemoto, Akira Kitada, Satoko Naitou, Yoshifumi Tsuda, Keitarou Matsukawa, You Ukegawa

Published in: European Spine Journal | Issue 2/2013

Abstract

Introduction

The relation between radiological abnormalities on lumbar spine and low back pain (LBP) has been debated, presumably because of potential biases related to heterogeneity in selection of the subjects, radiological abnormalities at entry, or its cross-sectional observation in nature. Therefore, the aim of this study of a selected population of asymptomatic Japanese Self Defense Forces (JSDF) young adults male with normal lumbar radiographs was to investigate the incidence of newly developed lumbar degenerative changes at middle age and to study their association to LBP.

Subjects and methods

In 1990, 84 JSDF male military servicemen aged 18 years, without a history of LBP and radiological abnormal findings, were enrolled. After 20 years, 84 subjects were underwent repeated X-ray and completed questionnaires on current LBP and lifestyle factors.

Results

The prevalence of LBP was demonstrated 59 %, with 85 % of them showing mild pain. Analysis of lumbar radiographs revealed that 48 % had normal findings and 52 % had degenerative changes. The association between LBP and life style factors was not demonstrated. Lumbar spine in subjects with LBP was more degenerated than in those without. Although disc space narrowing and LBP did not achieve a statistical significance, a significant correlation existed between vertebral osteophyte and LBP in univariate and multivariate analysis (OR 3.0; 95 % CI 1.227–7.333).

Discussion and conclusions

This longitudinal study demonstrated the significant association between vertebral osteophyte and incidence of mild LBP in initially asymptomatic and radiologically normal subjects. These data provide the additional information concerning the pathology of LBP, but further study is needed to clarify the clinical relevance.

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Title: A longitudinal study for incidence of low back pain and radiological changes of lumbar spine in asymptomatic Japanese military young adults
Authors: Osamu Nemoto
Akira Kitada
Satoko Naitou
Yoshifumi Tsuda
Keitarou Matsukawa
You Ukegawa
Publication date: 01-02-2013
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Spine Journal / Issue 2/2013
Print ISSN: 0940-6719
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0932
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-012-2488-4

ACC 2024 Congress

Springer Medicine

A longitudinal study for incidence of low back pain and radiological changes of lumbar spine in asymptomatic Japanese military young adults

Abstract

Introduction

Subjects and methods

Results

Discussion and conclusions

ACC 2024 Congress

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Subjects and methods

Results

Discussion and conclusions

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