Pain and work
Pain, including neck pain and low-back pain, is a leading cause of work absenteeism in Canada and other industrialized countries. Among injured workers, pain can interact with other factors to prolong time off work. IWH research on this topic ranges from early studies on the treatment of pain and prognostic factors for recovery, to more recent interest in pain as a factor in the return-to-work outcomes and other post-injury experiences of injured workers.
Featured
IWH Speaker Series
Persistent pain: its role in work absence, health, and employment after a disabling work-related injury
Published: November 15, 2022
Research Highlights
Research Highlights
Whiplash after traffic accidents can lead to depression
Symptoms of depression appear to be relatively common after whiplash injury. They occur soon after the incident and can be persistent, especially if patients have a history of depressive symptoms.
Published: January 2007
At Work article
At Work article
What works to reduce the burden of workplace MSDs?
The burden of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) is significant for workers, employees and society at large. What do we know about what works in reducing this burden? Dr. Barbara Silverstein tackled this question during the Institute for Work & Health’s (IWH’s) 2006 Alf Nachemson Lecture.
Published: November 2006
Research Highlights
Research Highlights
Work-related injuries reduce caregiving hours at home
Study participants recovering from work-related musculoskeletal disorders report a significant drop in the amount of time they spend providing care to family outside of work.
Published: January 2006
Research Highlights
Research Highlights
Ergonomics eases pain of repetitive strain injury
A worksite ergonomics program was linked to a drop in frequent and severe pain among those with repetitive strain injuries. Supervisor support and workers' ability to make decisions are also significant factors.
Published: January 2006
Research Highlights
Research Highlights
Is traction effective in treating low-back pain?
Based on current evidence, traction as a single treatment is not effective for patients with low-back pain, with or without sciatica. However, there are very few high-quality studies in this field.
Published: January 2006
Project
Project
Prognostic factors for workers' time away from work due to acute low-back pain: a systematic review update
Status: Completed 2011