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Published on: October 14, 2022
Lumbar disc degeneration in Thai elderly: a population-based study
Dootchai Chaiwanichsiri1, Araya Jiamworakul, Sutthichai Jitapunkul
1Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand. dootchai@hotmail.com
Summary
Lumbar disc degeneration and low back pain are common in Thai elderly. Age and BMI are key factors, with females at higher risk for spinal listhesis and pain, necessitating targeted healthcare interventions.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Orthopedics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Lumbar disc degeneration (LDD) and low back pain (LBP) significantly impact the elderly population's quality of life.
- Understanding the prevalence and risk factors for LDD and LBP in specific ethnic groups is crucial for public health initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of lumbar disc degeneration and associated factors in the elderly population in Thailand.
- To investigate the relationship between demographic factors, body mass index (BMI), and spinal conditions like spondylosis and spinal listhesis.
Main Methods:
- A population-based study was conducted in Rom Klao community, Bangkok, assessing 792 elderly individuals (aged ≥50 years).
- Lateral spinal radiographs were used to grade spondylosis severity (0-3).
- Statistical analysis included calculating odds ratios (OR) and confidence intervals (CI) to identify predicting factors.
Main Results:
- Age was a significant predictor of disc degeneration (OR = 1.088).
- Females showed a higher prevalence of spinal listhesis (14.4%) and low back pain (OR = 1.82) compared to males.
- Body Mass Index (BMI) was a predicting factor for spondylosis (OR = 1.066), and 27% reported moderate-severe low back pain, correlating with lower Barthel ADL index.
Conclusions:
- Lumbar disc degeneration and low back pain are highly prevalent among the Thai elderly.
- Age, sex, and BMI are significant factors associated with these spinal conditions.
- Targeted healthcare interventions are essential for disability prevention in this demographic.
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