Low back pain risk factors: An epidemiologic review

Abstract

In the area of human-factors engineering (ergonomics), various ergonomic factors associated with Low Back Pain (LBP) are mentioned constantly. From this perspective the problem is conceptualized as a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) of mainly occupational origin, among whose principal causes are repeated trauma ocurring over a long period of time. So this concept excludes injuries caused by acute or instantaneous trauma. In the United States, the cost of occupational injuries and illnesses exceeds $170 billion annually (Occupational Safety & Health Administration 2004). Mexico lacks of precise data regarding the impact of these problems, but according to data from the family medicine units of Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) for the year 2010, back pain ranked seventh among reasons for consulting a doctor nationwide. This literature review aims to identify occupational and non-occupational ergonomic factors and to develop a comprehensive model for the etiology of LBP. Thirty-two epidemiologic articles, from 1992 on, provided evidence regarding the relationship between LBP and risk factors-individual, psychological, socioeconomic and occupational-considered in this chapter.