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Abstract

Discopathy, a disorder affecting the structure and function of vertebral discs, is a common cause of spinal pain, presenting with varying intensities. Its occurrence is influenced by factors such as age, height, weight, sex, family history, daily activities, and behavioral habits. As an epidemic in many individualized nations, back pain, now considered an epidemic in many industrialized nations, is the second leading cause of medical consultations and causes long-term disability in approximately 1% of the population. This study investigates the key risk factors associated with spinal discopathy. A case-control epidemiological study was conducted with a sample of 300 participants: 100 in the case group (patients with discopathy) and 200 in the control group (individuals without discopathy). Data were collected through questionnaires covering demographic information and risk factors. Statistical analyses included correlation factors, independent t-tests, chi-squared tests, logistic regression, and adjusted regression to evaluate the relationships between variables and discopathy risk. No significant differences were found between the case and control groups in terms of age (p=0.88), sex (p=0.086), marital status (p=0.392), residence status (p=0.453), or body mass index (BMI) (p=0.134). However, significant differences were observed in the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (p=0.045), harmful occupations (p=0.003), smoking (p=0.037), regular walking (p=0.003), and family history of discopathy (p=0.001). This study highlights the importance of targeted screening for individuals with a family history of discopathy and those with musculoskeletal disorders. Preventive measures, including promoting regular walking and addressing harmful occupational and lifestyle factors, could reduce the incidence and progression of discopathy‎.

Keywords: Discopathy, Risk factors, Musculoskeletal disorders, Spine, Fmily history, Regular walking