Prognostic factors for time away from work among workers with chronic low-back pain: a systematic review update
Reasons for the study
Workers, employers and workers’ compensation boards have many questions about the impact of low-back pain (LBP) on return to work. The Institute for Work & Health (IWH) previously assessed the evidence on factors that predict duration of time away from work among workers who are at the beginning of a LBP-related episode. In 2005, IWH published a systematic review on prognostic factors for duration on sick leave due to acute low-back pain. This study expanded this systemic review by looking at the prognostic factors for duration on sick leave due to chronic low-back pain.
Objectives of the study
- To assess the evidence on factors that predict duration of time away from work by workers at the chronic stage of an episode of time away from work related to low-back pain
- To develop an evidence-based handbook to help direct return-to-work practices in the province of Manitoba
Related scientific publications
- Steenstra I, Munhall C, Irvin E, Oranye N, Passmore S, Van Eerd D, Mahood Q, Hogg-Johnson S. Systematic review of prognostic factors for return to work in workers with sub acute and chronic low back pain. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation. 2017;27(3):369. doi:10.1007/s10926-016-9666-x.
IWH Speaker Series presentations
- Returning to work following low-back pain: Do prognostic factors differ for acute, subacute and chronic pain?. IWH Speaker Series. November 18, 2014.
Project status
Completed 2017
Research team
Collaborators and partners
Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba
Funded by
Manitoba Workers Compensation Board, Workplace Safety & Insurance Board of Ontario's Research Advisory Council