WCO IOF- ESCEO 2025: Thermography in the Screening of Chronic Low Back Pain

Presenter: A. Franca

This retrospective observational study evaluated infrared thermography as a screening tool for chronic low back pain (CLBP) linked to musculoskeletal postural changes. Infrared thermography is a rapid, painless, radiation free method that captures emitted infrared radiation and converts it into electronic signals, producing two-dimensional thermal images to detect early metabolic and musculoskeletal alterations. free methoddimensional thermal images ‑free method‑dimensional thermal images

The study population comprised of 138 patients (69.6% women, 30.4% men) suffering with CLBP). Thermography identified postural variations including forward head posture, shoulder elevation, lumbar paravertebral contraction, reduced lumbar curvature, lumbosacral overload, and abdominal weakness, all being significantly associated with CLBP (p < 0.05).  Infrared thermography proved effective for detecting early metabolic and musculoskeletal alterations, along with early identification of other hidden dysfunctions associated with long-term conditions.

World Congress on Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (WCO IOF-ESCEO 2025), April 10-13, 2025, Rome, Italy.