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Biomechanical Changes Related to Low Back Pain: An Innovative Tool for Movement Pattern Assessment and Treatment Evaluation in Rehabilitation
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Relationship between impaired work function and coping behaviors in workers with low back pain
Kosuke Sakai1, Tomohisa Nagata1, Masako Nagata1
1Department of Occupational Health Practice and Management, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan.
Journal of Occupational Health
|August 30, 2021
Summary
Workers with severe low back pain impairment seek medical care and use over-the-counter drugs more often. Workplace support for self-care is crucial for managing pain effectively.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Low back pain is a prevalent condition affecting workers' functional capacity.
- Understanding coping behaviors in relation to work functional impairment is essential for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between work functional impairment levels and coping behaviors (medical attention, OTC drugs, self-care) in workers with low back pain.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 2232 workers from 14 Japanese companies.
- Work functional impairment measured using the Work Functioning Impairment Scale.
- Logistic regression analysis to calculate odds ratios for coping behaviors.
Main Results:
- Seeking medical attention was significantly associated with severe work functional impairment (aOR = 2.84).
- A trend showed increased over-the-counter drug use with higher impairment levels.
- No significant relationship was found between self-care behaviors and work functional impairment.
Conclusions:
- Severe work functional impairment in low back pain may drive medical attention and OTC drug use.
- Self-care behaviors like exercise are not strongly linked to impairment levels.
- Workplaces should enhance support for self-care strategies to improve worker well-being.
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