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Summary
Recurrence of back and sciatic pain is linked to residual leg pain and clinical signs. Falls increase absence and recurrence risk, highlighting the need for thorough return-to-work assessments.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Epidemiology
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
Background:
- Back and sciatic pain are common workplace issues in N.W. England.
- Understanding recurrence and long-term prognosis is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate factors associated with the recurrence and persistence of back and sciatic pain.
- To analyze the prognosis based on pain characteristics, clinical signs, and etiology.
Main Methods:
- A standardized interview and examination of 802 subjects post-episode.
- Postal questionnaires collected data on symptom recurrence and sickness absence over two 12-month periods.
Main Results:
- Residual leg pain and specific clinical signs correlated with symptom recurrence.
- Falls as a cause of back pain were associated with longer current absence and higher recurrence rates.
- Previous episodes of pain also predicted recurrence.
Conclusions:
- Thorough return-to-work examinations are vital for industrial medical officers.
- The post-episode phase is epidemiologically significant in the natural history of back and sciatic pain.