Investigating structural and non-structural risk factors for low back pain and disability

This thesis investigated risk factors for low back pain (LBP). It examined muscles and fascia around the spine, finding that while the size of the two paraspinal muscles combined predicts disability in people with LBP, only the size of the deepest muscle, multifidus, was associated with pain intensity. Furthermore, the fascia that overlies the muscles around the spine was also associated with LBP and disability. Finally, psychological factors (specifically catastrophisation and depression) were found to be drivers of recurrent, severe episodes of LBP. These findings suggest potential treatment targets for preventing LBP and improving rehabilitation for people with LBP.