Risk of Degenerative Spine Disease in Human Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

In a study of 288,401 matched patients, those with multiple sclerosis (MS) had a higher incidence of composite degenerative spine disease (DSD) at 12.7% compared to 9.3% in migraine patients without aura, resulting in a risk ratio of 1.36. Patients with MS underwent fewer spine surgeries (1.9% vs 2.4%) and interventional pain procedures (3.2% vs 5.1%).

Tags: #MSResearch
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Source: Read original source (PMID 42844679)

This plain-English summary was written by AI from a published abstract and may contain errors. It is not medical advice. Read the original study and talk to your MS team before making decisions about treatment.

Why it matters

These findings suggest that MS may be associated with a higher risk of DSD compared to migraine patients, with implications for understanding MS-related complications and healthcare needs.

What this does not prove

The study does not establish causation between MS and DSD due to its observational design, and reliance on a single database may limit the generalizability of the findings.

Next milestone

No next milestone was established from the available source.

Study facts

Study design: Observational
Participants / samples: 288401 · Matched patient cohorts
Randomised: Not reported
Controlled: Not reported
Primary endpoint met: Not reported
Relevant MS type: Not reported
Publication date: 2026-10-08
Evidence reviewed: Abstract only
Regulatory approval: Not reported
Research areas: Not classified

Original sources

Primary evidenceRisk of Degenerative Spine Disease, Interventional Spine Procedures and Spine Surgery in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Real-World Cohort Analysis using TriNetX. ↗DOI: 10.1097/phm.0000000000003180

Supporting passages (11)

study designA retrospective, active comparator cohort study using TriNetX.

subjectsAdults with MS were matched to adults with migraine without aura.

sample sizeRESULTS: Among 288,401 matched patients per cohort, composite DSD occurred in 12.7% of patients with MS and 9.3% of comparators (risk ratio, 1.36).

sample size basisUtilization of spine surgery and IVP procedures was assessed over a 1-year period in separately matched cohorts indexed at the time of incident DSD.

publication date2026-10-08

interventionUtilization of spine surgery and IVP procedures was assessed over a 1-year period in separately matched cohorts indexed at the time of incident DSD.

comparatorAdults with MS were matched to adults with migraine without aura.

primary endpointthe incidence of newly recorded composite DSD

follow upThe primary outcome was the incidence of newly recorded composite DSD within a 5-year analysis window.

findingsAmong 288,401 matched patients per cohort, composite DSD occurred in 12.7% of patients with MS and 9.3% of comparators (risk ratio, 1.36). Cervical/thoracic DSD diagnoses were more frequent in MS, while lumbar cases were slightly less common. Spine surgery rates were lower in MS (1.9% vs. 2.4%; risk ratio, 0.82), as were interventional pain procedures (3.2% vs. 5.1%; risk ratio, 0.63).

limitationsTitle: Risk of Degenerative Spine Disease, Interventional Spine Procedures and Spine Surgery in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Real-World Cohort Analysis using TriNetX.

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