Thoracic hyperkyphosis non invasively measured by general practitioners is associated with chronic low back pain: A cross-sectional study of 1364 subjects

摘要

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine the association between trunk sagittal posture and nonspecific chronic low back pain (CLBP) by evaluating plumb-line distances in subjects recruited in an everyday clinical setting. MethodsOf the 1364 subjects recruited, 63.1% were female (mean age?±?SD: 56.2?±?16.8 years). Subjects were categorized into CLBP and control groups and were prospectively assessed over a 3-month period. They provided information about their daily activities and their history of CLBP. Prognostic factors were analysed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. A physical examination was performed to record demographic (i.e. age, height and weight) and pain characteristics, and the intensity of pain was assessed using a numerical visual analogue scale. Disability was assessed using the Roland–Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ). A simple measure generally used for sagittal plane screening purposes during growth was also utilized. ResultsMultivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that gender (OR?=?1.70), RMDQ score (OR?=?0.51) and thoracic hyperkyphosis (C7?+?L3 at the plumb-line distance) (OR?=?1.57) were associated with CLBP. The final regression model explained 85.6% (R2?=?0.56;P?