gms | German Medical Science

Background: There were few studies on the association between low back pain (LBP) and lumbar spine degeneration (LSD) with sarcopenia. In particular, there were few published descriptions of the effects of sarcopenia on LBP and LSD simultaneously.

Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the association of low back pain and lumbar spine degeneration with sarcopenia using a nationwide survey in men over 60 years old.

Method: We conducted a cross-sectional study using the 5th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2010–2011). Men ≥60 years of age were included. Skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) and body composition were evaluated using Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. We defined sarcopenia as a modified SMI (ASM/ht2) value less than 20% of the participants. LSD was evaluated using a modified version of the Kellgren–Lawrence (KL) grade and was defined if the modified KL grade was 2. The risk of LBP and LSD with sarcopenia were investigated with multivariate logistic regression analyses. Model 1 was adjusted by age group. Model 2 was adjusted by age group, obesity, occupation, and physical activity. We also adjusted for LSD.

Results/findings: Of 1032 participants, 849 participants had no LBP and 183 participants had LBP. Sarcopenia was associated with increased risk of LBP (OR=2.08; 95% CI 1.39–3.11) (OR=2.03; 95% CI 1.36–3.02 and OR=2.23; 95% CI 1.38–3.59, respectively for model 1 and 2). This increased odds ratio was maintained after adjusting for LSD (OR=2.16; 95% CI 1.43–3.25 and OR=2.37; 95% CI 01.45–3.86, respectively for model 1 and 2). However, sarcopenia was associated with decreased risk of LSD in multivariated analysis

Discussion and conclusions: Our results suggest that sarcopenia was associated with increased risk of LBP in men ≥60 years old. It was also maintained after adjusting for LSD. However, sarcopenia was associated with decreased risk of LSD.