The association between whole body vibration exposure and spine degeneration on imaging: A systematic review

BACKGROUND: Low frequency vibrations from motorized vehicles and heavy equipment have been associated with musculoskeletal disorders. Spine degeneration on diagnostic imaging provides direct and objective measures of the possible effects of such exposures on the spine. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the association of exposure to whole-body vibration (WBV) with spine degeneration on imaging. METHODS: We conducted electronic searches in MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Web of Science to July 2021. Two reviewers independently screened search results, assessed quality, and extracted data. Studies evaluating the exposure to WBV and lumbar spine degeneration on imaging were included. RESULTS: Fifteen studies (16 manuscripts) were included. Seven studies including a meta-demonstrated moderate quality evidence of no association between WBV and disc degeneration. There was also moderate quality evidence of no association between WBV and disc height narrowing and osteophytes. Overall, there was low level evidence of no association between WBV and other degenerations findings. CONCLUSIONS: There was moderate to low quality evidence suggesting no association between WBV exposures with spine degeneration on imaging. The results of this study currently do not support assertion that motorized vehicle and WBV exposure accelerates degeneration and causes structural damage to the spine.