The Use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Assessment of Intervertebral Disc Disease and Low Back Dysfunction

Disorders of the musculoskeletal system are extremely common, and frequently cause impairment and disability. The prevalence of musculoskeletal disease in Australia is high. Twenty nine per cent of Australians have one or more musculoskeletal conditions, and long term back problems are present in 10 per cent of the population, occurring most frequently in the ages 45 to 59.(1) There is no evidence that the prevalence of low back dysfunction (LBD) is decreasing.