Changes in Thoracolumbar Fascia Stiffness and Pain Parameters in Young Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain

Thoracolumbar Fascia Stiffness and Pain Parameters

This study aims to investigate the biomechanical parameters of thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) and pain-related properties including pain intensity, pressure pain threshold (ppt) and pain sensitivity in young adults with non-specific chronic low back pain (LBP), both those experiencing chronic low back pain (LBP) and without LBP.

Non-specific low back pain has become a serious public health problem in latest years. The prevalence of low back pain is reported to be 84% in lifetime (1). Recently, an increasing number of studies have reported that fascia, due to its rich nociceptive innervations, may play a role in chronic pain, especially in some non-specific low back pain conditions .

This study will conducted with a total of 50 participant, including those with chronic lower back pain in the experimental group and the control group.

Both groups underwent assessments related to pain properties. Specifically, the Numerical Pain Scale(NMS) will be used to assess subjective pain intensity(4), the Digital Algometer for assessing pressure pain treshold(5), the Pain Sensitivity Scale(PSS) pain sensitivity(6) and the Myotonometer MyotonPRO biomechanical parameters, including stiffness(s), elasticity(d) and tonus (f) of the TFL at the level of Lumbal 1,3 vertebrae(L1,L3) and under 12th costa (7-10). SPSS 23.0 will be used for statistical analysis. p<0.05 is considered statistically significant.

Inclusion Criteria:

• chronic back pain participants more than 3 months

Exclusion Criteria:

• Those with orthopaedic, neurological and systemic diseases will be excluded from the study.