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Radiologically detectable lumbar disc degeneration in concrete reinforcement workers
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health
|January 1, 1978
Summary
Lumbar disc degeneration is strongly linked to aging, particularly after age 40. While not directly correlated with work exposure, it showed associations with lumbago and sciatica history in Finnish concrete workers.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Radiology
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Heavy physical work, including prolonged stooping, poses risks to the lumbar spine.
- Understanding the prevalence and risk factors for lumbar disc degeneration in physically demanding occupations is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and degree of lumbar disc degeneration in male Finnish concrete reinforcement workers.
- To identify associations between lumbar disc degeneration and age, work history, and reported back symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Radiological examination (antero-posterior and lateral views) of the lumbar spine in 295 male workers (aged 19-64).
- Classification of disc degeneration severity (none, slight, moderate, severe).
- Statistical analysis to assess associations with age, lumbago, sciatica, and work-related symptoms.
Main Results:
- Lumbar disc degeneration prevalence and severity increased significantly with age, especially after 40.
- Disc degeneration was independently associated with a history of lumbago and sciatica.
- A slight association was found between disc degeneration and reporting back symptoms when bending down.
Conclusions:
- Age is a primary determinant of lumbar disc degeneration in this cohort.
- History of lumbago and sciatica are significant risk factors, independent of age.
- The study could not establish a direct link between reinforcement work exposure and disc degeneration, warranting further investigation.