Epidemiological and aetiological aspects of low back pain in vibration environments - an update

The article reviews the substantial body of epidemiological evidence linking vibration exposure and low back pain. Drivers appear to be at particular risk if exposures exceed those recommended by the ISO exposure limit. Various aetiological factors associated with vehicular vibration, flattening of the lumbar lordosis, increased motion segment flexibility, disc pressure and mechanical softening are discussed. Vibration studies of functional spinal units are also discussed, as are in vivo whole-body vibration experiments. Animal models have shown that vibration leads to compromised nutrition, higher disc pressures, release of neuropeptides, increased creep and histological changes.