Prognostic factors for chronic disability from acute low-back pain in occupational health care

Objectives This study attempted to determine the prognostic indicators of l ow-back pain in an occupational health setting. Methods The identification of prognostic factors of (i) functional disabili ty after 3 months' follow-up, (ii) functional disability after 12 months' f ollow-up, and (iii) time to return to work among 120 workers who reported t o an occupational health unit and were off work with low-back pain for at l east 10 days. Crude and adjusted odds ratios and hazard ratios with 95% con fidence intervals were estimated for the 3 outcome measures. Results Factors related to a longer time to return to work were radiating p ain, high functional disability at the beginning of the study, problems in relations with colleagues, and high work tempo and work quantity. High func tional disability at the beginning of the study and a high avoidance coping style predicted functional disability at 3 months. Functional disability a t 12 months was more accurately predicted by work-related and psychosocial factors. Conclusions Especially radiating pain and functional disability predict a l ong duration of low-back pain in occupational health practice. Occupational physicians should also note work-related and psychosocial characteristics.