Abstract
BackgroundLumbar spondylosis is more prevalent among the middle-aged and elderly, but few population-based studies have been conducted, especially in Japan. The purpose of this study was to explore the prevalence of lumbar spondylosis and its associations with low back pain among community-dwelling Japanese women.MethodsLateral radiographs of the lumbar spine were obtained from 490 Japanese women ≥ 40 years old, and scored for lumbar spondylosis using the Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grade at lumbar intervertebral level from L1/2 to L5/S1. Height and weight were measured, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Low back pain in subjects was assessed using a self-administered questionnaire. Stiffness index (bone mass) was measured at the calcaneal bone using quantitative ultrasound.ResultsPrevalence of radiographic lumbar spondylosis for KL ≥ 2, KL ≥ 3 and low back pain were 76.7%, 38.8% and 20.0%, respectively. Age was positively associated with radiographic lumbar spondylosis (KL = 2, KL ≥ 3) and low back pain. Greater BMI was associated with lumbar spondylosis with KL = 2, but not with KL ≥ 3. Stiffness index was associated with neither radiographic lumbar spondylosis nor low back pain. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified radiographic lumbar spondylosis (KL ≥ 3) at L3/4, L4/5 and L5/S1 was associated with low back pain, independent of age, BMI and stiffness index.ConclusionSevere lumbar spondylosis at the middle or lower level may contribute to low back pain.
Highlights
Lumbar spondylosis is more prevalent among the middle-aged and elderly, but few populationbased studies have been conducted, especially in Japan
Age was positively associated with radiographic lumbar spondylosis (KL = 2, KL ≥ 3; with worst level selected) and low back pain (Table 4)
Radiographic lumbar spondylosis (KL ≥ 3) at L3/4, L4/5 or L5/S1 was associated with low back pain, independent of other covariates
Summary
Lumbar spondylosis is more prevalent among the middle-aged and elderly, but few populationbased studies have been conducted, especially in Japan. Since lumbar spondylosis causes low back pain [1, 3, 7, 9,10,11], it is important to clarify the prevalence, elucidate associated factors, and identify methods to prevent the disease This disorder has been widely studied in clinical settings, few population-based studies have been conducted, especially in Japan [1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20].
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