Physical and Mental Functioning in Disability Pensioners with Back Pain

• Published in: Journal of musculoskeletal pain 2009-01, Vol.17 (1), p.37-47
• Main Authors: Magnussen, Liv H., Strand, Liv I., Eriksen, Hege R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Back pain; disability; Disability management; Disability pension; Disability pensions; functioning; low back pain; Mental health; Pain management; physical performance; return to work; Studies
• ISSN: 1058-2452; 2470-8593; 1540-7012; 2470-8607
• DOI: 10.1080/10582450802672339

Objective: To describe physical and mental functioning in a group of back pain disability pensioners. Also, we wanted to explore to what extent a positive expectancy for returning to work was present in this group, as such expectancy tends to be a strong predictor for return to work in patients on sick leave due to back pain. Methods: A cross-sectional study was used. A test battery consisting of several questionnaires and physical performance tests were used to assess physical and mental functioning. Results: Of 431 eligible disability pensioners, 21 percent [N = 89; mean age: 49 years, 65 percent women] volunteered for the study. Considerable physical limitation, emotional distress, pain, and reduced health in general were demonstrated in this group. Only 18 percent [N = 15] of the participants believed that they would eventually return to work. Lack of belief in returning to work was related to very poor physical and work-related function, and also to high levels of fear avoidance for physical activities. Conclusions: Expectancy for returning to work and related factors should probably be taken into consideration when planning re-employment efforts for this group. Due to low participation rate, the results may not be characteristic of disability pensioners with back pain in general.