Background
The effect of spinopelvic alignment on low back pain (LBP) incidence has been
studied in many investigations. However, the interrelation between
spinopelvic parameters and LBP is poorly understood. In particular, it is
unknown whether particular patterns of spinopelvic parameters render
nonspecific LBP. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the role of spinopelvic
parameters as risk factors of nonspecific LBP.
Methods
In this case-control study, spinopelvic parameters, including lumbar
lordosis (LL), sacral slope (SS), pelvic tilt (PT), and pelvic incidence
(PI), were compared between 148 patients with nonspecific LBP and 148
healthy controls. Demographic characteristics of the patients, such as age,
gender, occupation, smoking, diabetes mellitus, and body mass index (BMI),
were recorded as confounders. Spinopelvic parameters were assessed using
radiographic findings in 2 groups. The analysis was done once as univariate
(Kolmogorov-Smirnov test) and once as multivariate (multivariate logistic
regression) analysis.
Results
Univariate analysis showed that female gender, higher BMI, smoking, and
blue-collar jobs were associated with a higher risk of nonspecific LBP. LL,
SS, and PI, but not PT, were all greater in LPB patients in the univariate
analysis regarding the spinopelvic parameters. Multivariate analysis showed
female gender (odds ratio adjusted (ORAdj) = 4.26 [95% CI, 2.11-9.58];
P
= 0.001) and LL (ORAdj = 1.58; [95% CI, 1.18-3.22];
P
= 0.026) were predictable risk factors for Nonspecific LBP.
Conclusion
Spinopelvic parameters, particularly LL, could be considered as risk factors
of nonspecific LBP so that a more significant LL might indicate a greater
risk of LBP. However, the role of other parameters in this association could
not be neglected.