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

Publication date: Available online 6 December 2017
Source:Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Author(s): Jorge Hugo Villafañe, Luciano Bissolotti, Fabio Zaina, Chiara Arienti, Sabrina Donzelli, Stefano Negrini
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 categorizsed 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 < 0.001) of the variability.ConclusionsGeneral practitioners can clinically and easily assess trunk posture in subjects with low back pain to identify subjects at higher risk of CLBP.



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