The relation of spinal x-ray to low-back pain and physical activity among 60-year-old men and women

Abstract

X-ray findings in the thoracic and lumbar spine from 666 60-year-old men and women from a general population were related to anamnestic data and physical measurements. Disc degenerations were significantly more common among those with low-back pain (LBP) compared with those without. The corresponding calculated predictive values stressed the importance of taking precaution in interpreting the radiologic findings in the clinical situation. In several instances, there were significantly more positive (abnormal) radiologic findings among those with the heaviest work. Disc degeneration and scoliosis were particularly frequent in this regard. Absolute weight and body mass index was significantly higher in persons with spondylosis. The fingertip-floor distance was greater with higher frequency of spondylosis and L4 disc degeneration.