Correlation between pain, disability and Michigan State University [MSU] grade-2 disc herniation in Magnetic Resonance Imaging among discogenic low back pain

Abstract

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is commonly used diagnostic tool for disc herniation. In working community, Lumbar disc herniation is one of the commonest causes of low back pain. Clinical correlation of the disc herniation with intensity of pain and functional disability is still under evaluation. This study aimed to determine the association of level of disc herniation in MRI findings with intensity of pain and self-reported disability among persons with low back pain. Patients aged between 20 – 60 years were selected and investigated with MRI of lumbar spine. Visual Analogue Scale [VAS] and Rolland Morris Disability Questionnaire [RMDQ] was used to measure the pain intensity and disability. MRI was assessed and graded by an experienced MRI consultant according to Michigan State University [MSU] standardized protocol. Descriptive statistics were recorded as mean and standard deviation for the variable like age, height, weight and gender. The Pearson’s correlation coefficient for pain intensity on VAS and disability on RMDQ in grade-2 disc herniation patients demonstrated weak positive correlation. But the disc herniation in MRI has negligible correlation with pain and disability. Thus, this study concluded that the level of disc herniation had no association with pain and disability in persons with discogenic low back pain and it is advisable to correlate the clinical symptom of the patients with MRI to decide the therapeutic intervention.

Keywords

• disc herniation
• low back pain
• discogenic back pain
• mri
• disability