Physical conditioning programs for workers with back and neck pain: a cochrane systematic review

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Chronic back and neck pain significantly impact work productivity and employee well-being.
• Identifying effective interventions to reduce work absence is crucial for both employees and employers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of physical conditioning programs on reducing time lost from work for employees experiencing back and neck pain.
• To compare the impact of programs with and without a cognitive-behavioral component.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials were conducted.
• Data were extracted by two independent reviewers, and trial quality was assessed.
• Clinically worthwhile treatment effects were defined as a saving of 10 sick days per year or a number needed to treat of 10.

Main Results:

• Nineteen trials were included, providing 23 relevant contrasts.
• Physical conditioning programs integrating a cognitive-behavioral approach demonstrated a clinically worthwhile reduction in sick days at 12 months (average 45 days) for chronic back pain.
• Programs without a cognitive-behavioral component showed minimal effect on time lost from work.

Conclusions:

• Physical conditioning programs that incorporate a cognitive-behavioral approach are effective in reducing sick days for workers with chronic back pain.
• This combined approach offers a significant benefit over usual care for managing work-related pain and absence.