Physical characteristics of the back are not predictive of low back pain in healthy workers: A prospective study

2009

Physical Characteristics of the Back and Low Back Pain in Healthy Workers

Sample size: 692 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Van Nieuwenhuyse An, Crombez Geert, Burdorf Alex, Verbeke Geert, Masschelein Raphael, Moens Guido, Mairiaux Philippe

Primary Institution: Department of Epidemiology, Scientific Institute of Public Health, Brussels, Belgium

Hypothesis

Does a physical examination of the low back predict the development of low back pain in healthy workers?

Conclusion

Physical examinations are not useful in predicting which young workers will develop low back pain one year later.

Supporting Evidence

Obese workers had a more than twofold increased risk of developing low back pain.
Self-reports of pain before the examination were the most predictive of future low back pain.
Only 12.5% of the workers developed low back pain lasting one week or more during the follow-up.

Takeaway

The study found that just looking at people's backs doesn't help us know who will get back pain later. Instead, asking them if they have pain is more helpful.