In Vivo Study of Torsional Instability and Disc Degeneration of the Lumbar Spine

This study is to determine the relationship between segmental instability in the spine and the amount of disc degeneration. Segmental instability is an abnormally large motion at one or more spinal segments, and disc degeneration is a progressive deterioration of the intervertebral disc. The segmental instability may become greater as the intervertebral disc degenerates more, which may cause low back pain.

The purpose of this research is to use computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imagery (MRI) to determine how the amount of disc degeneration affects the segmental rotational motion of the lumbar spine. Low back pain is one of the most common ailments, affecting 31 million Americans, and is second only to the common cold as a reason for seeking medical care.

Each participant will undergo three imaging procedures. Ordinary X-rays will be taken of the volunteer in two positions: fully bent forward and fully bent backwards. An MRI will be taken to determine the state of health of the intervertebral discs. Then CT scans will be taken with the patient lying normally on their back and rotated to the left and right by thirty degrees and then rotated to the left and right as far as is comfortably possible. It will take approximately three hours in one visit to undergo these procedures. Participants will be compensated $50 for completing the study.

• As a low-back pain participant, you should be between 20 and 59 years of age and have been diagnosed with chronic, “discogenic” low-back pain by a Rush orthopedic surgeon.
• As a normal, age-matched control, you should be between 40 and 59 years of age and have no history of serious back problems.