Leif Torén: New methods for examining non-specific low back pain
Many patients with back problems suffer from what is known as non-specific low back pain. The cause of the pain is unknown, and there are currently no effective methods to examine it. Leif Torén’s research suggests that MRI while the back is under load could be a contribution to developing new examination techniques.
LEIF TORÉN
Dissertation defense: 22 November 2024 (click for details)
Doctoral thesis: Functional MRI methods for imaging of patients with low back pain (LBP)
Research area: Radiology and Imaging
Sahlgrenska Academy, The Institute of Clinical Sciences
Non-specific low back pain is the most common cause of physical disability worldwide over time. “Non-specific” means that the exact cause of the pain is unclear. Today, there are no reliable imaging methods to assess these patients.
“Our research group has seen indications that imaging patients under load might help reveal more details about changes in the spinal discs, which could potentially be linked to non-specific low back pain,” says Leif Torén, a radiologist in Kungälv who is now pursuing a PhD at the Institute of Clinical Sciences.
Analysis of discs under load
What is your research about?
“We have been investigating how the combination of MRI under load and quantitative image analysis of the spinal discs can be used. We looked into whether, and how, the effect of loading on the discs differs between patients with non-specific low back pain and asymptomatic controls,” says Leif Torén. He continues:
“We have also examined whether we can identify specific load-induced patterns that could be related to load-induced pain in patients with non-specific low back pain.”
Contributions to further research
What are the key findings of your research?
“We have been able to demonstrate small load-induced differences in the discs between patients and controls, and we have found indications of patterns that may be associated with load-induced pain in patients. Our findings can make important contributions to further research in this field.”
What has been the most enjoyable and challenging parts of your PhD project?
“The problem-solving and writing are what I enjoy the most. The most challenging parts of a large research project like this are seeing the bigger picture and learning to manage the long lead times before seeing the results of your work. It is the opposite of working with acute radiology, which I do a lot of in my daily clinical practice.”
Text: Jakob Lundberg