Low-back pain
Low-back pain is a common disorder involving the muscles, nerves and bones of the back. Pain can vary from a dull constant ache to a sudden sharp feeling. Low-back pain is usually classified by duration as acute (pain lasting less than six weeks), sub-chronic (six to 12 weeks) or chronic (more than 12 weeks). IWH research looks at the occupational risk factors for back pain, how to treat and manage it, and prognostic factors related to recovery and return to work.
Featured
At Work article
IWH study finds 7 in 10 injured workers still experience pain more than a year after injury
A high proportion of injured workers in Ontario experience persistent pain for well over a year after their work-related injury. According to an IWH study of workers' compensation lost-time claimants, 70 per cent of workers experience pain 18 months after their work injury.
Published: September 30, 2022
Project
Project
Prognostic factors for time away from work among workers with chronic low-back pain: a systematic review update
Status: Completed 2017
Research Highlights
Research Highlights
Older, previously ill workers benefit most from RTW program
A workplace-based program that has workers and supervisors jointly identify and solve return-to-work barriers is found to be particularly effective in reducing absences among older workers and workers previously off work due to an illness.
Published: January 2009
At Work article
At Work article
Massage relieves, but does not cure, chronic low-back pain
Current trends suggest massage has become a popular treatment option for chronic low-back pain. Massage, among the earliest known tools for treating pain, can promote muscle relaxation, improved circulation and general feelings of well-being. And it doesn’t involve surgery or prescription pill bottl
Published: August 2008
At Work article
At Work article
Activity is key to recovery, leading low-back pain researcher says
Dr. Maurits Van Tulder talks about the important work that the Cochrane Back Review Group conducts and how it has influenced the international occupational health community.
Published: February 2008
Research Highlights
Research Highlights
Chiropractic schools teach evidence-based X-ray use
The use of X-rays by chiropractors, especially for low-back pain, has long been controversial. According to this study, instruction at most chiropractic schools seems to be following evidence-based guidelines on the use of X-rays for managing many aspects of low-back pain.
Published: January 2008
Research Highlights
Research Highlights
Workers with back injuries show four recovery patterns
People with back injuries may experience different patterns of recovery. Knowing how people recover may help clinicians who treat patients with back injuries.
Published: January 2007
Research Highlights
Research Highlights
Do chiropractors recommend back radiographs too frequently?
Compared to trainees, practising chiropractors use radiography more often. Reasons include attendance at seminars or courses encouraging radiography use, financial pressures or fear of malpractice.
Published: January 2007
At Work article
At Work article
Doctors’ network promotes back pain evidence among peers
A network of 200 Ontario physicians has been learning the most recent evidence on back pain treatment. The question now is whether they effectively influence peers to change their practice – and whether the network can be maintained over time.
Published: November 2006
At Work article
At Work article
IWH research adds to body of knowledge on MSDs
It wasn’t always evident that changing a worker’s posture or reducing time on certain tasks could prevent painful soft-tissue disorders. Over the past two decades, these connections have been established through research. IWH has contributed significantly to this boody of knowledge.
Published: November 2006
At Work article
At Work article
Systematic review finds little evidence in support of back belts
Is wearing a back belt really effective in preventing and/or reducing occupational low-back pain? According to a new systematic review by researchers at the Institute for Work & Health, there is limited evidence to support their use.
Published: February 2006