Familial disability patterns in individuals with chronic work-related spine injury/illness

A case control study of familial disability patterns and other potential risk factors identified in a group of individuals with work-related spine injury/illness.

The objective of the present study is to provide information on the relationship between a disabled family member and work-related spine injuries or illnesses leading to disability among another family member.

Extensive studies have been conducted to identify the medical and nonmedical factors associated with prolonged disability after work-related spine injury/illness. Many of the relevant nonmedical factors are psychosocial and are dependent to some degree on family of origin environment and experience. Although similar recurring pain behaviors have been described in certain families, no recent study has been conducted of coexisting family disabilities in individuals with work-related spine injury/illness.

A case-control investigation examining nine potential risk factors, including familial disability patterns, for the development of disability following work-related spine injury/illness was conducted. The case group (n = 88) consisted of individuals disabled from any and all gainful employment, whereas the controlled group (n = 40) continued working in spite of their spine complaints.

In this study, gender, number of spinal areas involved, current injury considerations/severity, and having a primary family member or spouse similarly disabled were found to be significant predictors of disability following work-related spine injury/illness. However, further analysis revealed that having an associated family disability was the greatest predictor of disability in the study group.

These data suggest that the presence of a primary family member or spouse with a work-related spine disability may be a risk factor for the development of disability in individuals sustaining a work-related spine injury.