Prognostic factors for long-term sickness absence among employees with neck-shoulder and low-back pain

Scand J Work Environ Health. 2010 Jan;36(1):34-41. doi: 10.5271/sjweh.2883. Epub 2009 Dec 7.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify prognostic factors for long-term sickness absence among employees with neck-shoulder or low-back pain.

Methods: In 2000, a representative sample of Danish employees (N=5036) rated their average pain intensity in the neck-shoulder and low-back during the last three months on a 10-point scale; using a questionnaire, they also reported on physical and psychosocial work factors, health behavior, work ability and self-efficacy. Employees reporting pain intensity of >or=4 were considered to have musculoskeletal pain. As a result, we defined two populations to be included in our analyses: people with pain in the neck-shoulder (N=848) and low-back (N=676) regions. Data on long-term sickness absence of >or=3 weeks for the period 2001-2002 were attained from the Danish national register of social transfer payments.

Results: One fifth of employees with neck-shoulder and low-back pain experienced long-term sickness absence during the two-year follow-up. Among employees with neck-shoulder and low-back pain, respectively, the main significant risk factors were (i) pain intensity [hazard ratio (HR)=1.12, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.02-1.24 and HR=1.13, 95% CI 1.01-1.26] and (ii) heavy physical work (HR=1.68, 95% CI 1.21-2.33 and HR=1.41 95% CI 1.00-2.01).

Conclusion: Preventive initiatives for long-term sickness absence should aim to reduce pain intensity and heavy physical work among employees with neck-shoulder and low-back pain.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Denmark / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Low Back Pain / diagnosis
  • Low Back Pain / epidemiology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neck Pain / diagnosis
  • Neck Pain / epidemiology*
  • Prognosis
  • Risk Factors
  • Shoulder Pain / diagnosis
  • Shoulder Pain / epidemiology*
  • Sick Leave / statistics & numerical data*