Back complaints among shearers in Western australia: a pilot study

Thirty-two Western Australian shearers were surveyed in 1984 to determine the incidence of back problems. It was found that twenty-nine (90%) of the respondents surveyed either currently had back pain, or had suffered from back pain recently. The pain was almost exclusively of an intermittent nature, suggesting a mechanical problem. Most respondents had sought medical help for their problem. Very few shearers had been seen by physiotherapists in country areas. Shearing involves bending, twisting, lifting and dragging. It is considered that the heavy physical demand and static postures during the shearing process bear a strong relation to the incidence of back pain among shearers. A recently developed device called a 'Warrie Back Aid' was used by five of the respondents, who all reported considerable symptomatic relief.