Severe low-back pain. II: Changes in CT scans in the acute phase and after long-term observation

Scand J Rheumatol. 1993;22(1):30-4. doi: 10.3109/03009749309095108.

Abstract

No significant changes were noted in the CT-scan before and after 14 days of conservative therapy for low-back pain. Twenty of 33 patients had a disc herniation diagnosed on CT, and of these 18 patients were re-scanned after two weeks. Twelve patients were subsequently treated surgically, and of the remaining 8 patients 6 were re-scanned after 18 months. At this time the disc herniation had diminished significantly and was located in a more median position. In the 8 conservatively treated patients, the pain score at follow-up was related to the original size of the herniation (r = 0.72, p < 0.05).

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bed Rest
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Intervertebral Disc Displacement / complications
  • Intervertebral Disc Displacement / diagnostic imaging*
  • Intervertebral Disc Displacement / therapy
  • Low Back Pain / diagnostic imaging*
  • Low Back Pain / etiology
  • Low Back Pain / therapy
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Time Factors
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*
  • Traction