An epidemiological study of low back pain

Walsh, Kevin John (1992) An epidemiological study of low back pain. University of Southampton, Doctoral Thesis.

Abstract

Postal questionnaire survey was undertaken among random samples of adults aged 20-59 years resident in eight areas in the United Kingdom. This asked about the lifetime incidence and one year period prevalence of low back pain (LBP), the nature and duration of the pain experienced, and its consequences in terms of disability for daily activities, sickness absence from work and medical consultations. Infomation was also collected about occupation, driving and sporting habits and certain other possible risk factors for LBP. The response to the questionnaire was 59.2%. Responders resembled the population samples in demographic details. A repeatability study and an insepction of general practice records were done to assess the validity of questionnaire responses. The lifetime incidence of LBP was 58.3% and the one-year period prevalence 36.1%. LBP was slightly commoner in men and among male manual workers. There was no social class gradient in women and little difference in prevalence between the areas. LBP was a common cause of disability, sickness absence from work and medical consultations. Consultations with general practitioners showed marked differences between areas which could not be explained by the variables measured. Analysis of the reported age of onset of LBP by a life-table method suggested that the age-specific incidence of LBP may be rising with time. Examination of a variety of potential risk factors showed an elevation of risk associated with heavy lifting and with digging at work, with tall stature in men and with previous major traumatic events.

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