Psychosocial risks for low back pain: are these related to work?

OBJECTIVES To examine whether psychosocial risks for low back pain, reported in previous studies, are specific to the working population or are more widely relevant. METHODS A large population-based survey identified subjects free of low back pain, and obtained information on the degree of satisfact...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Annals of the rheumatic diseases 1998-08, Vol.57 (8), p.500-502
Main Authors: Papageorgiou, Ann C, Croft, Peter R, Thomas, Elaine, Silman, Alan J, Macfarlane, Gary J
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Absenteeism
Adult
Age
Aged
Back pain
Biological and medical sciences
Concise Reports
Diseases of the osteoarticular system
Diseases of the spine
Employment
Female
Humans
Income
Job Satisfaction
low back pain
Low Back Pain - psychology
Male
Medical sciences
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases - psychology
Perceptions
Primary care
Prospective Studies
Psychological aspects
psychosocial
Questionnaires
Risk Factors
Social classes
workplace
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Summary:OBJECTIVES To examine whether psychosocial risks for low back pain, reported in previous studies, are specific to the working population or are more widely relevant. METHODS A large population-based survey identified subjects free of low back pain, and obtained information on the degree of satisfaction with work (or not working) and the adequacy of income for their family’s needs. New episodes of consulting and non-consulting low back pain were identified prospectively over 12 months. The psychosocial risks for developing a new low back pain episode are examined in employed and non-employed groups separately. RESULTS Dissatisfaction with work status doubled the risk of reporting a new low back pain episode in both the employed (odds ratio 2.0, 95% confidence intervals 1.2, 3.3) and non-employed (OR 2.0, 1.2, 3.1). Those perceiving their income as inadequate were at a threefold risk of consulting for this symptom regardless of their employment status (employed: OR 3.6, 1.8, 7.2; non-employed: OR 3.6, 1.4, 9.0). CONCLUSION Psychosocial factors pose similar risks for a new low back pain episode in workers and the non-employed. This suggests that such influences may not be related solely to work but be a function of general aspects of life. The economic and individual impact of psychosocial interventions in the workplace, therefore, are likely to be limited unless account is taken of the influence of broader non-work related aspects.
ISSN:0003-4967
1468-2060
DOI:10.1136/ard.57.8.500