Epidemiology Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Epidemiology, including details on twin studies, statistics, environmental and genetic factors.

Epidemiology of occupational low back pain.

Shelerud RA

Spine Center, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street, SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. shelerud.randy@mayo.edu

There have been significant advances in our understanding of occupational low back pain over the last decade largely because of a noteworthy improvement in the number and quality of prospective trials. More recent work confirms that genetic factors may drive a large portion of thr risk factors. The importance of physical fitness and spine support muscle fitness is believed to protect against future occurrences. Psychosocial factors can play a role in increasing the risk of future low back pain and acute pain in becoming chronic. Some of the psychological influence may be through a muscular pain component. It is arguable that an emphasis should be placed on resources, education, and support to allow workers to be productive whether suffering from back pain or not.

Published 11 September 2006 in Clin Occup Environ Med, 5(3): 501-28, v.
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