Correlation between MRI manifestations of lumbar disc herniation and fatty infiltration of paravertebral muscles and chronic low back pain

Motivation: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is frequently associated with fatty infiltration and alterations in the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the paravertebral muscles. However, the precise relationship between disc-related changes and paravertebral muscles remains incompletely understood. Goal(s): Study correlation between lumbar disc herniation, paravertebral muscle fat infiltration, CSA and chronic low back pain. Approach: MRI images of the lumbar spine were analyzed in patients with chronic low back pain to correlate findings with paraspinal muscle CSA and PDFF. Results: CLBP patients with disc herniation had lower PDFF in the multifidus muscle at L4/5 and reported higher pain levels (VAS score) than the control group. Impact: This study provides valuable insights for clinicians, enabling them to implement targeted interventions for CLBP patients based on specific MRI findings and key characteristics of muscle remodeling.