European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society
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Lumbar paraspinal intramuscular fat (IMF) has emerged as a biological factor in low back pain (LBP). Traditional assessments measure IMF across the entire muscle or at specific levels and may miss key information on the role of IMF in LBP. Despite known variations across the lumbar spine, the three-dimensional (3D) distribution of IMF has not been characterized across people. Here we develop a template-based spatial parametric mapping approach to explore the 3D spatial distribution of lumbar paraspinal IMF. ⋯ The developed 3D spatial parametric mapping approach provides a comprehensive assessment of lumbar paraspinal IMF, potentially enhancing our understanding of lumbar spine function and pathology, treatment mechanisms, and the modifiable factors promoting recovery from LBP.
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The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has been well-established to play a crucial role in the regulation of several physiological processes as well as many inflammatory disease conditions. However, its role in intervertebral disc degeneration has been least explored. We aim to investigate the immunomodulatory role of endocannabinoids in regulating IVD health. ⋯ Diagnostic: individual cross-sectional studies with consistently applied reference standard and blinding.