WORK ABSENCE IN A COHORT WITH BENIGN BACK PAIN - PROSPECTIVE-STUDY WITH 1O YEAR FOLLOW-UP

A cohort of nearly 1000 men with some level of back problems at time o f their drafting were prospectively followed over a IO-year period In connection with drafting for military service they answered a question naire and were clinically examined The main aim of the study was to fo llow work absence and the impact of back pain on everyday life. Everyd ay problems because of the back pain did not significantly increase ov er the follow-up period and self-reported work absence decreased. Heav y work was associated with an increased risk for work absence but not for back/neck problems.