Work-related risk factors for low back pain

Abstract

In this thesis work-related risk factors for low back pain are investigated. Low back pain is one of the most common work-related health problems. It has a considerable impact on sickness absence and work disability. Originally, the focus of most occupational research on low back pain was directed towards physical factors. Recently, however, the study of psychosocial work characteristics has also become an important aspect of epidemiological studies on low back pain in occupational settings. In this thesis systematic reviews of the literature on physical and psychosocial risk factors for back pain are presented. In addition, the results of a three-year prospective cohort study among a working population are reported. The most important conclusion with regard to physical load at work is that flexion and rotation of the trunk and lifting at work are risk factors for low back pain. Whole-body vibration, patient handling and heavy physical work are other risk factors. The most important conclusion with regard to psychosocial load at work is that low job satisfaction increases the risk of low back pain. Low social support also seems to be a risk factor