The objective corroboration of back pain through thermography.

The potential usefulness of thermography as an aid to the diagnosis of neuro-musculo-skeletal disease in occupational settings is discussed. The characteristics of the infrared spectrum are briefly outlinded, followed by a description of basic concepts and technics necessary to ensure reproducible results. A pilot study demonstrating the association between thermographic changes and back pain is presented. Findings are compared with normal thermograms and are statistically evaluated. Thermography seems to have the potential to be developed into a useful tool of occupational medicine in general.