Association Among Multimodal MRI Parameters, Inflammation, and Pain in a Rat Model of Discogenic Low Back Pain

Motivation: Discogenic low back pain is the most prevalent form of low back pain, which results from intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). However, the relationship between the condition of the paraspinal muscles after IVDD pain and inflammation is not well understood. Goal(s): This study aimed to assess the correlation between multimodal MRI parameters of the paraspinal muscles and levels of inflammation and pain following IVDD. Approach: Rat model of DLBP was established by puncturing L4-6 IVDs under X-ray fluoroscopic guidance. Besides, multimodal MRI was used to quantitative assessment. Results: There was a significant association between multimodal MRI parameters and the levels of inflammation and pain. Impact: Future research could consider conducting longitudinal studies to evaluate the correlation between inflammation and MRI parameters during inflammatory response. This would help further validate multimodal MRI as a reliable imaging biomarker.