Jose G. Veliz, M.D. M.S.A.
Medical Director
Palomar Pain Management Center
Pomerado Pain Management Center

Posted September 18, 2008 1:45 PM

Risk Factors For Low Back Pain

A study performed at Waseda University in Japan, published in the September/October, 2008 issue of The Spine Journal, suggested that high levels of LDL were associated with degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. LDL is known as “bad” cholesterol. HDL is known as “good” cholesterol. This raises suspicions that cardiovascular risk factors are associated with lumbar degenerative disc disease. The study also found an association between aging, obesity, heavy lifting and sports activities with lumbar degenerative disc disease which was not surprising. The human spine is made up of 24 spinal bones called vertebra. The vertebra are stacked on top of one another to form the spinal column. An intervertebral disc sits between each pair of vertebra. The intervertebral disc is made up of connective tissue which operates like a shock absorber. Intervertebral discs change with age leading with degeneration in the disc. Daily wear and tear as well as injuries can speed up degeneration of the intervertebral discs also known as degenerative disc disease. The theory is that atherosclerosis of the lumbosacral arteries can result in insufficient blood flow and nutrition for the lumbar discs. This may contribute to the development of lumbar degenerative disc disease. The researchers suggested that further studies to determine the relationship between smoking, diabetes, and lumbar degenerative disc disease should be performed.

     Reference:

Hangai, M., Kaneoka, K., Kuno, S. Factors Associated With Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Degeneration In The Elderly. The Spine Journal #8 (2008) 7th 132-740.