Articles: low-back-pain.
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In a previous epidemiological study we reported that the prevalence (45.8%) of low-back pain (LBP) and the two-year incidence (25.9%) of LBP in 284 male taxi drivers in Japan was comparable with rates reported for other occupational drivers in which LBP frequently occurs. LBP was significantly related with the level of uncomfortable road vibrations, and, importantly, increased with total mileage. The aim of this study was to measure whole-body vibration (WBV) on the driver's seat pan of 12 taxis operating under actual working conditions. ⋯ Moreover, because many taxi drivers work 18 h every other day, the shortening of working hours and taking of rest breaks while working should be considered. Frequency-weighted r.m.s. accelerations of taxis had a tendency to decrease as total mileage increased. The relation between total mileage and WBV should be investigated by taking measurements on the floor and the back rest in addition to the seat pan.
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Cadernos de saúde pública · Mar 2004
[Chronic low back pain in a Southern Brazilian adult population: prevalence and associated factors].
To identify the prevalence of chronic low back pain (CLBP) and examine factors associated with this condition in a Southern Brazilian adult population, a population-based cross-sectional study was conducted, including 3,182 subjects of both sexes, aged 20 years or over, living in the urban area of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State. The questionnaire included socio-demographic, behavioral, and nutritional variables, as well as characterization of exposure to ergonomic factors in daily activities. ⋯ Prevalence of CLBP is important as it limits normal activities and increases the use of health care services. There may be differences in the ergonomic risk factors for CLBP and low back pain in general.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
Cost-effectiveness of lumbar fusion and nonsurgical treatment for chronic low back pain in the Swedish Lumbar Spine Study: a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial from the Swedish Lumbar Spine Study Group.
A cost-effectiveness study was performed from the societal and health care perspectives. ⋯ For both the society and the health care sectors, the 2-year costs for lumbar fusion was significantly higher compared with nonsurgical treatment but all treatment effects were significantly in favor of surgery. The probability of lumbar fusion being cost-effective increased with the value put on extra effect units gained by using surgery.