Exploring Risk Factors for Chronic Low Back Pain in Young Patients: A Study Using Synthetic MRI and Proton Density Fat Fraction Analysis

Motivation: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is increasingly prevalent among young individuals, impacting quality of life and productivity. Understanding its underlying causes is crucial for effective management. Goal(s): This study aims to investigate the relationship between fat infiltration in paravertebral muscles and pain severity in young CLBP patients. Approach: We employed synthetic MRI (SyMRI) and proton density fat fraction (PDFF) sequences to evaluate muscle degeneration and its correlation with pain severity. Results: The study revealed significantly higher fat content in the multifidus and erector spinae muscles of CLBP patients, correlating positively with pain scores, indicating that muscle health is critical for managing CLBP. Impact: This research presented the significance of using synthetic MRI (SyMRI) and proton density fat fraction (PDFF) sequences to evaluate muscle health. Targeted rehabilitation to reduce fat infiltration in paravertebral muscles could enhance CLBP management and improve patient outcomes.