Are Spinopelvic Parameters predictive of low back pain 8 years later in an asymptomatic population?

Abstract

Purpose: Normative values of spinopelvic parameters have been estimated for the asymptomatic population however there is little evidence regarding whether their baseline values are related with the later development of low back pain. The aim of this study was to compare baseline spinopelvic and sagittal balance parameters between individuals who develop and who do not develop low back pain 8 years later. Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted, based on the retrospective assessment of the EPIPorto cohort. Between 2005-08, participants underwent a full-spine X-ray and the spinopelvic parameters were measured. Subjects were asked to answer a set of back pain related questions on average 8 years later. Results: No significant differences were found between individuals who developed back pain or not, regarding sociodemographic or health-related data. Likewise, no significant differences were detected regarding all variables related to spinopelvic and sagittal balance parameters, when comparing the two groups of participants. Conclusion: Our results support that baseline spinopelvic parameters in a pain-free sample do not differ between individuals who develop and who do not develop low back pain in the future.