Assessing the association between degenerative disc disease and spinal mobility.

Abstract

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is commonly associated with chronic low back pain (cLBP) and disability, yet its impact on spinal mobility remains underexplored. This study investigates the association between lumbar disc degeneration and spinal mobility to assess its functional consequences. In this cross-sectional study, participants were recruited from the general population. Individuals with specific LBP were excluded. Intervertebral disc degeneration was graded using the Pfirrmann classification, and an overall lumbar Pfirrmann grade (PG) was calculated. Uni- and multivariable linear regression models were performed to analyze the relationship between disc degeneration and spinal mobility, accounting for age, sex, BMI, physical activity, and pain intensity, with additional subgroup analysis by sex, cLBP status, and age. 909 participants (44.1% female) were included in the study; 421 (46.3%) were affected by cLBP. After accounting for confounders, a higher lumbar PG was significantly associated with reduced sagittal lumbar and rotational mobility (p < 0.001) and increased thoracic sagittal mobility (p = 0.005)in males. Subgroup analyses indicated that associations with mobility impairments were more pronounced in individuals with cLBP and older patients. This study providesevidence linking lumbar disc degeneration to reductions in spinal mobility, particularly in individuals with chronic low back pain. The pronounced mobility loss in cLBP patients suggests that chronic pain may disrupt compensatory mechanisms. These findings validate the role of disc degeneration within the context of cLBP and highlight the need for targeted interventions.