EVALUATION OF LUMBAR SPINE DEGENERATIVE CHANGES ON MRI: A COMPARATIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL ANALYSIS OF SEDENTARY AND PHYSICALLY ACTIVE ADULTS

Abstract

Background: Lumbar spine degeneration is a primary musculoskeletal etiology of chronic low back pain (LBP) and functional disability globally. While mechanical loading and modifiable lifestyle factors such as physical activity are hypothesized to influence intervertebral disc health, comparative MRI-based evidence regarding lumbar degenerative changes between strictly sedentary and physically active adults remains limited. Objectives: To evaluate and compare the prevalence, severity, and level-specific anatomical distribution of lumbar spine degenerative changes on MRI between sedentary and physically active adults presenting with chronic low back pain. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted at the Radiology Department of Rehman Medical Institute,..