The influences of recovery on low back pain development: A theoretical model

Abstract

Psychologically and physically straining work conditions increase the risk of low back pain (LBP) development. According to recent recovery theories, leisure time recovery can counteract the negative influences of work stress on health. Similarly, a recent empirical work has indicated a moderating role of recovery on the link between stress and health issues. In this paper, a theoretical model is deduced to integrate the moderating effects of recovery on work stress and LBP development. Based on theoretical and empirical results, 2 separate recovery paths are distinguished: on the one hand, recovery can prevent the experience of stress because a well-recovered person can cope more easily with work demands; while on the other hand, recovery refills the depleted resources after confrontation with work strain and reduces stress experiences. Given that work strains is a main risk factor for LBP development, recovery in leisure time seems to be a highly relevant aspect, which has not been investigated to date in the field of LBP.