An exploratory workplace study to investigate the perceived value of continous low-level heatwrap therapy in manual workers

Abstract

Background. Between 60 and 80% of the population in industrialized countries experience low back pain at some time in their lives. The physical demands of work, i.e. manual handling, lifting, bending, twisting, awkward postures and whole body vibration are associated with low back symptoms. This study was undertaken to investigate the benefits of a new form of continuous low-level heatwrap therapy available for the symptomatic relief of acute low back pain in the workplace. Methods. The subjects were recruited to the study upon their visit to the occupational health doctor after being diagnosed with acute low back pain. Results. The study results show that use of the heatwrap therapy significantly reduced pain intensity and impact of pain on everyday activities. The results of the study were further extrapolated to show potential cost reduction benefits of using this heatwrap therapy in the workplace.