人間工学ジャーナル
オープンアクセス

概要

A Predictive Model of Occupational and Lifestyle Risk Factors and Pain Management Strategies for Participants in a Wellness Program Diagnosed with Chronic Low Back Pain

Balmatee Bidassie, Le Zhang, Yuan Gao and Vincent G. Duffy

Background: Chronic Low Back Pain is beyond a physical problem and depends on a person’s psychological attitude which makes it a growing workplace concern. The objective of this paper is to understand occupational and lifestyle risk factors associated with Chronic Low Back Pain with a focus on prevention of related incidences in the workplace.
Methods: A predictive model (logistic regression) of occupational and lifestyle risk factors associated with Chronic Low Back Pain was developed by a retrospective study from 2006 to 2009 of employees who participated in a Health and Wellness program at a large Midwestern university.
Results: The model determined six risk factors (ongoing back pain, ongoing neck pain, know how to treat back pain at home, chronic insomnia, bodily pain, and slips, trips, and/or falls) with the most significant association with Chronic Low Back Pain.
Conclusion: Chronic Low Back Pain may be managed through workplace ergonomics and psychological approaches that stress at pain management, self-care at home, and reducing risk factors associated with slips, trips, and/or falls.