[Epidemiology of spinal diseases in nurses]

Epidemiology of spinal pathology among nurses. A cross-sectional study of 3300 German nurses was carried out in the course of an investigation of the prevention of occupation--related back problems. A much higher incidence of lumbar-spinal problems was observed than in a control group of office staff, not required to lift or carry. Evidence of much greater risk, especially of severe sciatic symptoms, was supported by a case-controlled study of patients with the diagnosis of disc-prolapse or disc-protrusion, carried out in two neuroradiology units. Nurses were significantly over represented. A lack of preventive measures for carrying and lifting patients was clearly demonstrated (availability and use of mechanical aids). To what extent the perception of spinal problems is influenced by psychological factors and not only by physical factors will be demonstrated by the recording of stress factors.