CORRELATION OF PAIN AND DISABILITY WITH MRI FINDINGS IN PATIENTS WITH LUMBAR DISCOGENIC BACK PAIN

Background: Lumbar disc prolapse is one of the common causes of low back pain seen in the working population. There are contradictorty reports regarding the clinical significance of various magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings observed in these patients. Purpose: The aim of the study was to determine the association of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings with intensity of pain and self reported disability among persons with lumbar discogenic back pain. Material And Methods: A consecutive series of patients aged between 20 ? 50 years, who were investigated by MRI of lumbar spine because of LBP(Low Back Pain) were selected.LBP intensity was measured by using Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and functional disability by Modified Oswestry Disability Questionnaire (MODI). Each MRI scan was assessed and graded by radiologist according to standardized protocol. Results: The Pearson’s correlation coefficient for pain intensity on NPRS (r value = -0.01614 ) and disability percentage ( r value =-0.5628 ) in discogenic back pain patients demonstrated negative correlation. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that there is no association of MRI findings in the lumbar spine with intensity of pain and disability among persons with lumbar discogenic back pain.