Relationship between lumbar disc degeneration and bone mineral density in middle-aged and elderly population with non-specific low back pain

Motivation: Lumbar disc degeneration (LDD) is a major cause of lower back pain, but the relationship of LDD and adjacent structures, especially bone mineral density (BMD), is unclear, which confuses clinicians in estimating condition. Goal(s): To investigate the relationship between LDD and BMD in a non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) population. Approach: We assessed the relationship between the extent of LDD, obtained from MRI, and BMD of vertebral bodies, measured using quantitative CT, in NSLBP patients. Results: Our results showed that LDD was negatively correlated with vertebra BMD in NSLBP patients, with L2/3 disc degeneration serving as an independent influencing factor for vBMD. Impact: L2/3 intervertebral disc degeneration is an independent influencing factor for vBMD. Further investigation can explore if the degree of L2/3 intervertebral disc degeneration through MRI can predict OP, thereby reducing the occurrence of complications such as osteoporotic fractures.