MEDICALLY CERTIFIED WORK LOSS, RECURRENCE AND COSTS OF WAGE COMPENSATION FOR BACK PAIN - A FOLLOW-UP-STUDY OF THE WORKING POPULATION OF JERSEY

The 1 yr incidence, prevalence and wages compensation costs of work lo ss due to medically certified back pain in the working population of J ersey were identified by analysis of the Social Security database for the year 1994. A total of 2291 subjects absenting due to back pain dur ing this period were followed for up to 3 yr to identify return to wor k rates and subsequent absences. Incidence and prevalence rates were 5 .6 and 6.3%, respectively. The cost of wages compensation was pound 1. 29 million or 10.5% of such benefits paid. Work loss was greater for t he second absence. The rate of return to work was broadly in line with that suggested by the Clinical Standards Advisory Group (CSAG), but t he number still absent at 1 yr was less, suggesting that the CSAG figu res for long-term absence may have been overestimated. The influence o f compensation systems and unemployment on work-related absence due to back pain is highlighted.