Abstract

Objective: To synthesize findings through a methodical review of studies that examine quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (qMRI) diagnostic markers of lumbar disc degeneration associated with pain intensity.
Methodology: We collected information on qMRI investigations of lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD) and its effect on lower back pain (LBP) by searching databases in PubMed, Scopus, and Embase by PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. The chosen studies either reported data that could be converted to odds ratios or included imaging biomarker-pain outcome relationships using odds ratios. Forest plots were generated using RevMan 5.4.0.
Results: The study had ten qMRI studies involving 3,239 participants. A pooled odds ratio (OR) value of 2.46 (95% CI 1.65-3.68) indicates a significant correlation between disc degeneration and LBP. Compared to T2-weighted MRI, qMRI techniques such as T2 mapping, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and T2* relaxometry produced better associations. Heterogeneity was reduced (I2=76.7%). Results were more accurately predicted using radiomic techniques.
Conclusion: Through the establishment of clinically useful diagnostic biomarkers, qMRI techniques show improved pain-severity relationships in DDD patients. In LBP management strategies, these approaches show promise for early patient diagnosis, risk assessment, and therapy observation.

Key words: Degenerative disc disease, low back pain, MRI, Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging, pain measurement.