Evaluation of Bone Mineral Density in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain

STUDY DESIGN: This was designed as a retrospective study. PURPOSE: We investigated the relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) and chronic lower back pain (LBP). OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: In spite of a large number of epidemiological surveys on the prevalence of LBP and BMD measurements completed separately in the general population, the relationship between the two has not been well documented. METHODS: The study included 171 patients with chronic LBP who underwent the BMD study. The control group was selected from our database regarding BMD without LBP. RESULTS: A total of 678 subjects, aged 18 to 100 years (mean, 49.9±12.9 years) were included in the study, 25% (n=171) of the subjects had LBP. Compared to those patients without LBP, patients exhibiting LBP had statistically significant lower mean weight, hip and spine BMD and T-score. Lower BMD and T-scores were significant regardless of the age group, gender, menopausal status, and obesity classification. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic LBP has a negative correlation with hip and spine bone mineral density.