[Back pain in coal miners of anthracite coal--pilot study results]

The objective of the study was to determine the occurrence of a low-back-pain syndrome in coalminers. The pilot study also aimed at the evaluation of the study design and methods, prior to planned full-scale epidemiological assessment of the syndrome in this workforce. In two groups of subjects (204 persons employed in the "Staszic" mine and 200 in the "Sośnica" mine) a questionnaire survey and medical assessment were carried out, and available medical records were reviewed. Two groups were similar in terms of age and duration of work, but workers of the "Sośnica" mine have worked in more difficult conditions, associated with a larger physical burden. The overall frequency of a low-back-pain syndrome was 73.2% in the "Sośnica" miners and 65.2% in the other group. The syndrome occurrence seemed to depend on the age and occupational history. However, conclusions regarding work-relatedness of the symptoms are not warranted in the light of the pilot study results. The study yielded background data which will contribute to the improvement of the study protocol, being prepared for the major epidemiological assessment of a low-back-pain syndrome in coalminers.