LONG-TERM BACK PROBLEMS AND PHYSICAL WORK EXPOSURES IN THE 1990 ONTARIO HEALTH SURVEY

Objectives. This study sought to provide data on the relationship of w ork exposures to long-term back problems in a population survey. Metho ds. The Ontario Health Survey in 1990 used a representative population sample of the province. It included data on long-term back problems, occupational activity, acid physical work exposures. The current study examined relationships between these variables. Results. The prevalen ce of long-term back problems was 7.8% in working-age adults. It gener ally increased with age. Long-term back problems were more prevalent i n blue-collar occupations and among those not working as well as among people with loss formal education, smokers, and those overweight. Phy sical work exposures-awkward working position, working with vibrating vehicles or equipment, and bending and lifting-were all associated wit h a greater risk of back problems. The number of simultaneous physical exposures was monotonically related to increased risk. Conclusions. W ithin the limitations of the data and assuming the relationship to be causal, about one quarter of the excess back pain morbidity in the wor king population could be explained by physical work exposures.