Compensation status as a predictor of outcome in nonsurgically treated low back injury

Whether the compensation status of patients injured in occupational accidents influences treatment outcome remains a controversial issue. This article describes the treatment outcome status of compensated versus noncompensated patients who received comprehensive functional restoration treatment of low back pain in a hospital-based, interdisciplinary, occupational rehabilitation and pain management program. Results of this investigation revealed treatment outcome differences between the two groups in two of three measures at discharge (subjective pain intensity and return-to-work), and outcome differences in one of five measures at 6-month follow-up (subjective pain intensity). Interestingly, significant group differences in return-to-work rates noted at the time of treatment discharge were not found during the follow-up period, with no group outcome difference in return-to-work rates noted at 6-month follow-up.