English

Abstract

BACKGROUND Chronic low back pain is a major health problem which has a negative physical, social and psychological impact on the patient and their family. Chronic low back pain is defined as pain that lasts for more than 3 months duration. We can ultrasonologically assess the spinal stabilizers in a given population and come to a common decision regarding their proper strengthening and rehabilitation. We wanted to assess the ultrasonological finding in lumbar multifidus muscle in chronic low back pain patients and to compare the findings with those who are not suffering from chronic low back pain. METHODS The case control study included 64 cases with chronic low back pain (excluding those with structural deformities, infective, traumatic, and inflammatory aetiology) and 64 controls without low back pain, among the persons who presented to the OPD of PMR Department, Govt. Medical College, Kozhikode, Kerala. The crosssectional area as well as the percentage fatty infiltration of lumbar multifidus muscle at L4, L5 levels were assessed ultrasonologically after obtaining the consent. SPSS data analyser was used to statistically assess the variables. RESULTS The study population consisted of 53 % females and 47 % males with a comparable age group. The study showed persons with chronic low back pain had lower mean value of cross-sectional area (CSA) and higher mean value of percentage fatty infiltration in lumbar multifidus muscle at L4, L5 levels when compared to the values in persons without chronic low back pain. The CSA was significantly dependent on type of occupation they were involved. CSA was also found to be greater among males. CSA statistically showed direct relation to height and weightof the person. CONCLUSIONS The mean CSA of lumbar multifidus is lower in persons with chronic low back pain as compared to persons without low back pain. The CSA was significantly dependent on type of occupation. KEY WORDS Chronic Low Back Pain (LBP), Multifidus Muscle, Cross Sectional Area (CSA), Rehabilitation.