Evaluation of the impact of sagittal spinal curvatures on musculoskeletal disorders in young people

Abstract

© 2018, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine. All rights reserved. Background: In Poland, about 85% of the population report low back pain (LBP) symptoms overall. Moreover, 70-80% of people aged below 20 have already experienced back pain. The primary cause of LBP is the loss of spinal lordosis, which initiates changes in geometry of the spine and has impact on limb arrangement. The aim of the study was to attempt to verify the relationship between the 2 main curvatures of the spine and its relation to symptoms in different parts of the musculoskeletal system, in a group of adults. It was assumed that hyperlordosis of the lumbar spine and misbalance of the thoraco-lumbar junction are risk factors for LBP. Material and Methods: The study coverd 231 first-year students, (aged 19-21) of the University of Economics in Katowice. There were 103 men aged 19.5 ± 0.8 years and 128 women aged 19.6±0.8 years. The students completed the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ): 7 days (NMQ7) and 6 months (NMQ6). A Rippstein’s plurimeter, was used to measure the angles of thoracic kyphosis (KTH) and lumbar lordosis (KLL). Cut of points was set at 30±5. Results: The results indicate strong and very strong correlation (r = 0.6 and r = 0.8, p < 0.05) between the concave of the back and LBP, which may suggest the relationship between these symptoms and the increased lordosis. Conclusions: Postural defects in the sagittal plane may predict the occurrence of pain. The results of the study indicate a higher frequency of pain in people with a higher angle of lumbar lordosis.