Low-back pain in industry. An old problem revisited

Low-back pain is a major occupational health problem. Risk factors predisposing to the development of low-back pain are discussed. These include individual risk factors such as age, sex, anthropometry, musculoskeletal abnormalities, muscle strength and physical fitness, psychological factors, and previous attacks of low-back pain and workplace factors such as heavy work, lifting, bending, and slipping. Various programs for prevention are evaluated. These include selection of workers, education and training regarding lifting methods, design of lifting jobs, and fitness training. Limitations of the various studies of these programs are discussed. Preemployment strength testing and ergonomic job design together appear to offer the greatest promise.