Substantial Asymmetry in Paraspinal Muscle Cross-Sectional Area in Healthy Adults Questions Its Value as a Marker of Low Back Pain and Pathology

Abstract

Paraspinal muscle asymmetry greater than 10% was commonly found in men without a history of LBP. This suggests caution in using level- and side-specific paraspinal muscle asymmetry to identify subjects with LBP and spinal pathology.