Back pain in physiotherapists involved in back care education

The pattern of back pain in physiotherapists was compared to that in a control group, matched for age and sex, using a self-administered questionnaire. The annual incidence and prevalence, point and life-time prevalence as well as anatomical distribution were similar in both groups to that found previously in nurses and the general population despite the fact that almost all the physiotherapists had been involved with back care education. The recurrence rate was also similar despite the physiotherapists taking earlier steps to avoid further back pain. Physiotherapy was seen to be a stressful occupation in terms of the presence of occupational factors associated with back pain. Physiotherapists were more likely to attribute their back pain to work and the initial onset to a work-related incident. Newly qualified physiotherapists were particularly vulnerable, although they were more satisfied with their training in lifting skills than their older colleagues. Although further research is required, an ergonomics approach to the clinical working environment and a critical appraisal of the value of training in lifting skills and back education programmes are recommended.