Paraspinal muscle cross-sectional area predicts low back disability but not pain intensity

摘要

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT: The lumbar paraspinal muscles, including the erector spinae and multifidus, play an important role in movement and control of the spine. However, our understanding of their contribution to low back pain and disability is unclear. Systematic reviews have reported conflicting evidence for an association between paraspinal muscle size and low back pain, and a paucity of data examining muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and low back disability.