Lumbosacral sagittal alignment in association to intervertebral disc diseases.
This is a nice study to know. In this study, authors were studying the relationship between the lumbar lordosis (lower back curve), intervertebral disc pathologies (disc herniation and
/or degeneration) and pain. Here are the fact
- 2 different groups of 50 subjects with lower back pain.
- First group is lower back pain with disc pathology and second group is lower back
pain without disc pathology. - Took MRI of each group and calculated the lumbar lordosis (lower back curve).
- People with disc pathologies has straighter lower back curve than without disc pathology.
- Authors concluded that “patients with intervertebral disc lesions seem to have more straightened lumbosacral profiles, but it has not been proven which comes first: disc degeneration or changes in sagittal alignment.”
Dr. Wu DC comment:
If you have been to my office then you would known I am very keen on spinal curvatures. Curves work as suspensions and they are there to protect and preserve your spine. Too much or too little curves could potentially speed up degeneration (aging) process. This study has stated the relationship between these two but weren’t sure which one comes first. Chiropractic has long been known to correct misalignment of spine (we called it subluxation) which can potentially change curvatures of spine. My take is, does not matter which one comes first, loss curve or degeneration of disc, it is important to get your spine check periodically before you hit either one of these. Prevention always triumph treatment.
Dr. Wu DC
