Low Back Pain: An On The Job Occupational Health Issue

摘要

Low back pain (LBP) is the commonest cause of disability inrnpersons under 46 years of age.1rnLBP remains one of the most difficult challenges that facernhealth care providers, as there are 9 important factors thatrncompound the ability to manage, minimize the cost and predictrnits outcome:rna. Low back pain is a symptom and not a disease yet itrnremains the commonest used term to describe therndiagnosis.2rnb. Low back pain can be caused due to injury or diseasernprocess.2rnc. There are many diseases in systems other than musculoskeletalrnsystems that cause LBP.2rnd. Most types of back pain closely mimic each other.2rne. Part of the problem is due to the fact that the region ofrnthe low back is extremely complex, both anatomicallyrnand functionally.3rnf. Another difficulty is the inability to objectively define arnmeasurement for pain.3rng. A large part of the problem is the cultural need tornmedicalize LBP, linking the symptoms to radiologicalrnabnormalities requested by physicians. 2rnh. Physicians’ insufficient understanding of the topic andrnits management leading to patient advocacy. 2,3rni. Poor medical results of occupationally related LBP inrninstitutions unprepared to deal with this problem. 2,3rnMany psychological factors are thought to be causative inrndevelopment, exacerbation and/or maintenance ofrnchronic LBP.