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[Segmental functional disorders--a frequent cause of backache?]
1Institut für Sozialmedizin, Medizinische Universität zu Lübeck.
Therapeutische Umschau. Revue Therapeutique
|June 1, 1994
Summary
This study estimated lumbar and sacroiliac dysfunction prevalence in German adults with back pain. Results suggest spinal dysfunction may be overestimated in current back pain sufferers, with silent dysfunction present in about 10%.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Diagnostic accuracy
Context:
- Community-based survey of German residents aged 25-74.
- Investigated prevalence of lumbar and sacroiliac dysfunction in individuals experiencing back pain.
- Utilized two diagnostic systems: Bischoff's three-step diagnostics and Greenman's structural diagnosis.
Purpose:
- To estimate the prevalence of lumbar and sacroiliac dysfunction in the general population with back pain.
- To assess the influence of sex, age, pain intensity, and duration on dysfunction prevalence.
- To compare the findings from two different diagnostic methodologies.
Summary:
- Prevalence of lumbar and/or sacroiliac dysfunction was 19% (three-step) and 22% (structural diagnosis).
- Females were more frequently affected; age had no significant effect.
- Dysfunction was over-represented in those with current back pain, but silent dysfunction was ~10%.
- No association between pain intensity and dysfunction; lumbar dysfunction linked to shorter pain duration.
Impact:
- Findings suggest the significance of spinal dysfunction in current back pain may be overestimated.
- Highlights the presence of asymptomatic dysfunction in the population.
- Suggests further investigation using a case-control study design is warranted.