Lower back pain at workplace: prevalence and risk factors

Abstract

Objective — analysis of lower back pain (LBP) prevalence and risk factors for its development in employees with different conditions at their workplace, depending on their age, length of service, occupational factors, and physical activity. Material and Methods — As a result of a simultaneous cross-sectional study, 3300 employees with different conditions at their workplace were examined. To study the relationships between LBP prevalence and risk factors, we used the results of employees’ survey and physical examination, along with the data on their physical activity and working conditions. Results — The workplace posture was the most common production-related risk factor for developing LBP. The second most common risk factor was the weight of the load being lifted and carried, followed by general vibration at a workplace. The least significant factor was a bending motion. According to our data, LBP prevalence in all observation groups was increasing with both age and length of employment. Over 50% of those working in hazardous conditions at the age of 50 yo and higher had LBP. Low physical activity at a workplace led to a statistically significant increase in the chances of LBP emergence. Conclusion — In employees without exposure to harmful risk factors in the form of physical exertion and general vibration, the prevalence of LBP was significantly lower than in workers in harmful working conditions. The combined effect of static and dynamic physical activities at a workplace had a more pronounced negative impact on workers’ health. Low physical activity was a significant risk factor for LBP development.

Keywords

• lower back pain
• workplace factors
• physical activity