Association between nutritional status and Modic classification in degenerative disc disease

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Nutrition Science
• Radiology

Background:

• Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a common cause of low back pain.
• Modic classification on MRI reflects the severity of degenerative changes in the spine.
• The role of nutrition in spinal degeneration is an area of ongoing research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between Modic classification and dietary habits in patients with DDD.
• To explore the potential influence of nutritional status on the severity of DDD.

Main Methods:

• Sixty patients with DDD were enrolled from a low back pain clinic.
• Data collected via interviews included demographics, lifestyle, and nutritional status.
• Forty patients meeting inclusion criteria were analyzed for Modic type and dietary intake.

Main Results:

• Dietary intake frequency of various foods and beverages was recorded.
• A weak negative correlation was found between Modic types and consumption of fish and eggs.
• No significant correlations were reported for other food groups.

Conclusions:

• Modic changes, indicative of DDD severity, appear to correlate with specific dietary habits.
• Findings suggest a potential link between diet and spinal degeneration.
• Further research with larger cohorts and control groups is necessary to establish causality.