Distress, ergonomic exposure, smoking and recurrent back bother
Take Home Messages:
Back pain sufferers who experience high levels of emotional distress or are smokers are more likely to have repeat visits to a back pain clinic.
Ergonomic factors in the workplace (such as heavy lifting, certain postures, forceful movements, and exposure to strong vibrations) are associated with job-related stress. A person that suffers from job-related stress is more likely to experience emotional distress. Therefore, there is a link between workplace ergonomics and repeat visits to back pain clinics.
Reducing job related stress by improving workplace ergonomics is a practical step organisations can take to limit the costs and lost time associated with back pain.
Why the research matters:
Back pain is a major public health problem, impairing daily life and resulting in time off work. It is known that ergonomic factors in the workplace (such as heavy lifting, certain postures, forceful movements, and exposure to strong vibrations) and work related stress are both related to the development of back pain. However what is not known is how these potentially modifiable factors influence the number of visits the person may require to a back pain clinic.
What the research involved:
368 U.S. Army soldiers completed a survey at their first visit for back pain. Participants were between 18 and 55 and were suffering from their first episode of back pain in the last 12 months.
The survey assessed:
- Demographic characteristics (such as age, sex, etc.);
- Health behaviours (smoking and exercise);
- Ergonomic factors (heavy lifting, certain postures, forceful movements, and exposure to strong vibrations);
- Job-related stress;
- Mental health;
- Physical activity at work;
- Pain severity;
- Impact on daily activities; and
- Attitudes towards their back pain.
The number of repeat visits to the back pain clinic was recorded.
Summary of research findings:
- Those with negative ergonomic exposure were more likely to experience higher levels of job-related stress;
- Those with higher levels of job-related stress were more likely to have increased levels of emotional distress; and
- Those that experienced high levels of emotional distress or were smokers were more likely to have repeat visits to the back pain clinic.
Original research:
How do job stress and ergonomic factors impact clinic visits in acute low back pain? A prospective study.
Feuerstein M, Harrington CB, Lopez M, Haufler A.
J Occup Environ Med. 2006 Jun;48(6):607-14.