Abstract
Although lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) occurs almost universally with aging, little is known regarding its actual prevalence and relationships to chronic low back pain (CLBP) in the general population. The presence of CLBP in subjects with LSS may have negative impacts on spinal alignment and mobility. This study evaluated the prevalence of LSS using a self-administered, self-reported history questionnaire in 630 community-dwelling individuals ≥50 years old. Subjects with LSS were further divided into LSS+CLBP and LSS alone groups, and spinal alignment and mobility were compared using a computer-assisted device. Prevalence of LSS was 10.8% in this cohort. Subjects in the LSS+CLBP group (n = 46) showed a significantly more kyphotic lumbar spinal alignment with limited lumbar extension (P < .05), resulting in a stooped trunk compared to subjects in the LSS alone group (n = 22). However, no significant difference in spinal mobility was seen between groups.
Highlights
Low back pain (LBP) is a primarily cited condition among problems linked to postural imbalance [1, 2]
The prevalence of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) tended to increase with age (Figure 1)
The present study showed that the prevalence of LSS among individuals ≥50 years old in a healthy aged cohort from a rural district in Japan was 10.8%
Summary
Low back pain (LBP) is a primarily cited condition among problems linked to postural imbalance [1, 2]. In older individuals, CLBP is at least partially related to degenerative changes associated with aging [5]. The degenerative process (spondylosis) involves the intervertebral discs, facet joints, vertebral bodies, and spinal ligaments. These spondylotic changes often induce lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). LSS is a well-recognized spinal disorder that commonly affects older adults. The pain and disability associated with degenerative LSS represent a substantial and growing health problem among the elderly [6, 7]. Symptomatic LSS occurs when compression of the nerve roots or cauda equina causes pain, numbness, and tingling, or weakness in the lower extremities. The association between LSS and CLBP remains unclear
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