Spinopelvic Alignment as a Risk Factor for Poor Balance Function in Low Back Pain Patients

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics and Rehabilitation Medicine
• Biomechanical Analysis
• Spinal Health

Background:

• Low back pain (LBP) is a prevalent condition affecting millions globally.
• Balance dysfunction is a common but often overlooked symptom in LBP patients.
• The relationship between spinal alignment and balance is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between various spinopelvic parameters and balance function in individuals with LBP.
• To identify specific spinopelvic parameters that are significant predictors of impaired balance.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective observational study of 182 LBP patients.
• Spinopelvic parameters measured using EOS imaging.
• Balance function assessed via center of pressure (COP) movement on a treadmill.
• Statistical analysis included Pearson correlations and stepwise multiple linear regression.

Main Results:

• Poor static and dynamic balance correlated with increased age, knee flexion, pelvic tilt, C7-CSL, C7 SVA, and decreased SSA.
• Static balance was further associated with increased Cobb's angle and decreased thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis.
• Dynamic balance was linked to increased pelvic incidence.
• Increased SVA and PT were identified as the strongest independent factors associated with poor static and dynamic balance.

Conclusions:

• Spinopelvic parameters are significantly associated with balance deficits in LBP patients.
• C7 SVA and pelvic tilt are critical indicators for assessing balance impairments.
• These findings highlight the importance of evaluating spinal alignment for managing balance issues in LBP.