Back pain: Prevention and management in the workplace
Frederieke G Schaafsma1, Johannes R Anema1, Allard J van der Beek2
1Department of Public and Occupational Health, EMGO+ Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Research Centre for Insurance Medicine, Collaboration Between AMC-UMCG-UWV-VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Best Practice & Research. Clinical Rheumatology
|November 28, 2015
Summary
Work-related interventions for low back pain (LBP) lack cost-effectiveness. Physical exercise shows primary prevention benefits, while early, individualized assessments improve return to work (RTW) for long-term sickness absence.
Area of Science:
- Occupational health
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Public health interventions
Background:
- Work-related risk factors for low back pain (LBP) have been extensively studied, yet interventions lack proven cost-effectiveness.
- Group-level interventions, even with adequate strategies, have not reduced incident LBP.
- Physical exercise demonstrates a primary preventive effect on LBP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of interventions targeting work-related risk factors for LBP.
- To explore secondary prevention strategies for reducing long-term sickness absence due to LBP.
- To identify optimal approaches for return to work (RTW) management.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on LBP interventions and cost-effectiveness.
- Analysis of group-level intervention outcomes.
- Emphasis on individualized assessment of risk factors, LBP mechanisms, and workplace factors by clinicians.
Main Results:
- Interventions targeting work-related risk factors for LBP prevention are not cost-effective.
- Physical exercise is effective for primary LBP prevention.
- Individualized assessment and intervention show promise for secondary prevention and RTW management, particularly for long-term sickness absence.
Conclusions:
- Physical exercise is a key strategy for primary LBP prevention.
- Early, individualized clinical assessment is crucial for effective RTW management and reducing long-term sickness absence.
- Further research is needed on overcoming barriers to intervention uptake and ensuring adequate financing for RTW programs within policy-specific contexts.
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