Are Radiologic Changes in the Thoracic and Lumbar Spine of Adolescents Risk Factors for Low Back Pain in Adults?

BACKGROUND: In their working life, airline pilots are exposed to particular risk factors that promote nonspecific low back pain (LBP). Because of the varying incidence internationally, we evaluated the point prevalences of acute, subacute, and chronic nonspecific LBP, as well as the current prevalences in German airline pilots. Furthermore, we compared the prevalence to the general German population and to European counterparts.METHODS: An anonymous online survey of 698 participating German airline pilots was evaluated. The impairment between groups was analyzed. Prevalences from our data were compared to existing data.RESULTS: The following point prevalences were found: 8.2% acute, 2.4% subacute, 82.7% chronic LBP; 74.1% of all individuals were suffering from current LBP when answered the questionnaire. A total time spent flying greater than 600 h within the last 12 mo was significantly related to acute nonspecific LBP. Individuals with any type of LBP were significantly impaired compared to those unaffected. It was found that German airline pilots suffer more often from current LBP than the general population and have a higher point prevalence of total LBP than their European counterparts.CONCLUSIONS: The evaluation showed a surprisingly high, previously unidentified, prevalence of nonspecific LBP in German airline pilots. Why German airline pilots suffer more often from LBP remains uncertain. The number of flying hours appears to have a negative effect on developing acute low back pain, but causation cannot be concluded. Other risk factors could not be confirmed.Albermann M, Lehmann M, Eiche C, Schmidt J, Prottengeier J. Low back pain in commercial airline pilots. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2020; 91(12):940947.

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Body Mass, Nonspecific Low Back Pain, and Anatomical Changes in the Lumbar Spine in Judo Athletes

Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy ◽

10.2519/jospt.2007.2508 ◽

2007 ◽

Author(s):

Takashi Okada

Keyword(s):

Low Back Pain ◽

Back Pain ◽

Lumbar Spine ◽

Body Mass ◽

Low Back ◽

Anatomical Changes ◽

Judo Athletes

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Faculty Opinions recommendation of The anatomical basis for low back pain. Studies on the presence of sensory nerve endings in ligamentous, capsular and intervertebral disc structures in the human lumbar spine.

Faculty Opinions – Post-Publication Peer Review of the Biomedical Literature ◽

10.3410/f.726427730.793519836 ◽

2016 ◽

Author(s):

Massimo Allegri

Keyword(s):

Low Back Pain ◽

Back Pain ◽

Lumbar Spine ◽

Intervertebral Disc ◽

Sensory Nerve ◽

Nerve Endings ◽

Low Back ◽

Sensory Nerve Endings ◽

Anatomical Basis ◽

Human Lumbar Spine

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Severe low back pain with mild leg symptoms due to lumbar spine stenosis

British Journal of Neurosurgery ◽

10.1080/02688697.2020.1868402 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-4

Author(s):

Ryo Kanematsu ◽

Junya Hanakita ◽

Toshiyuki Takahashi ◽

Manabu Minami ◽

Kazuhiro Miyasaka ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Low Back Pain ◽

Back Pain ◽

Lumbar Spine ◽

Low Back

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The Dutch Multidisciplinary Occupational Health Guideline to Enhance Work Participation Among Low Back Pain and Lumbosacral Radicular Syndrome Patients

Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation ◽

10.1007/s10926-021-09993-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

J. W. H. Luites ◽

P. P. F. M. Kuijer ◽

C. T. J. Hulshof ◽

R. Kok ◽

M. W. Langendam ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Low Back Pain ◽

Prognostic Factors ◽

Back Pain ◽

Work Participation ◽

Stepped Care ◽

Low Back ◽

Lumbosacral Radicular Syndrome ◽

Care Approach ◽

Radicular Syndrome

AbstractPurpose Based on current scientific evidence and best practice, the first Dutch multidisciplinary practice guideline for occupational health professionals was developed to stimulate prevention and enhance work participation in patients with low back pain (LBP) and lumbosacral radicular syndrome (LRS). Methods A multidisciplinary working group with health care professionals, a patient representative and researchers developed the recommendations after systematic review of evidence about (1) Risk factors, (2) Prevention, (3) Prognostic factors and (4) Interventions. Certainty of the evidence was rated with GRADE and the Evidence to Decision (EtD) framework was used to formulate recommendations. High or moderate certainty resulted in a recommendation “to advise”, low to very low in a recommendation “to consider”, unless other factors in the framework decided differently. Results An inventory of risk factors should be considered and an assessment of prognostic factors is advised. For prevention, physical exercises and education are advised, besides application of the evidence-based practical guidelines “lifting” and “whole body vibration”. The stepped-care approach to enhance work participation starts with the advice to stay active, facilitated by informing the worker, reducing workload, an action plan and a time-contingent increase of work participation for a defined amount of hours and tasks. If work participation has not improved within 6 weeks, additional treatments should be considered based on the present risk and prognostic factors: (1) physiotherapy or exercise therapy; (2) an intensive workplace-oriented program; or (3) cognitive behavioural therapy. After 12 weeks, multi-disciplinary (occupational) rehabilitation therapy need to be considered. Conclusions Based on systematic reviews and expert consensus, the good practice recommendations in this guideline focus on enhancing work participation among workers with LBP and LRS using a stepped-care approach to complement existing guidelines focusing on recovery and daily functioning.

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