The predisposing factors to low back pain in workers

Abstract

Low back pain is a common complaint which has a high socio-economic cost. Very little information is available in South Africa on the prevalence, or the factors associated with the development of low back pain. A group of material handlers at a motor vehicle parts distribution centre were randomly sampled into two groups, one who complained of low back pain and a control group who did not. Both groups completed a structured questionnaire relating to their work environment and underwent a physical examination. Bending and lifting parts from the floor and participation in heavy physical activity were factors associated with reported low back pain in the experimental group as was a decrease in the overall mobility of the lumbar spine (p< 0.001) and a decrease in strength of rectus abdominis (p,0.02) and the oblique abdominal muscles (p<0.04).