The Effect of Occupation on Degree of Lumbar Disc Degeneration

Year 2017, Volume 2, Issue 1(4), 56 - 56, 01.11.2017

Hakan Ak

Abstract

Aim:
Work-related low back pain is one of the most challenging disorders. In this
study, we aimed to point the presence of any correlation between occupation and
degree of lumbar disc degeneration. 

Materials:

In
this study, files of patients diagnosed with disc degeneration on magnetic
resonance imaging were reviewed retrospectively from July 2016 to September
2016 for patients with back and/or leg pain at neurosurgery clinic of Bozok
University. 100 male and 100 female patients were included in the study. Age
ranged from 25 to 65 years, and patients were divided into three age groups:
25-35 (group 1), 35-45 (group 2), and over 45 years (group 3). Occupations were
identified as housewife (group 1), teacher (group 2) and health worker (group
3) in women. Occupations in men were assigned as construction workers (group
1), teachers (group 2), and health workers (group 3). The working year was
organized as 0-5 years (group 1), 5-10 years (group 2), 10-15 years (group 3)
and 15 years (group 4). The degree of degeneration in MRI was regulated as
black disc-bulging (group 1), protrusion (group 2), extrusion (group 3), and
sequestration (4). The type of treatment was divided into conservative (group
1) and surgery (group 2) groups. Patients with diabetes, chronic liver disease,
hypertension, obesity, coronary heart disease, thyroid gland disorder,
osteoporosis, ankylosing spondylitis, and severe trauma were not included in
the study.

Results:

A
total of 23 (11.5%) patients underwent surgery. In 78 patients (39%), working
year was 10-15 years. Only 2 (1%) patients were found to be working for more
than 15 years. Statistically significant differences were found between the
degree of degeneration and the type of treatment, and gender and degree of disc
degeneration (more severe in males). 

Conclusion:

 There is no consensus as to what disc
degeneration actually is or how it can be distinguished from the physiological
process of growth, aging, healing and adaptive remodeling. In several
researches indicates that physical activity increases disc degeneration however
there are some other researches that indicate the opposite way. In our study,
we clearly indicate that there is no relationship between the degree of disc
degeneration and occupation.

Key words:
occupation, disc degeneration, magnetic resonance imaging 

Keywords

The Effect of Occupation on Degree of Lumbar Disc Degeneration

References

• Hakan Ak, MD Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery Bozok University, School of Medicine, Yozgat /TURKEY