Psychosocial aspects and work-related issues regarding lumbar degenerative disk disease

Abstract

The latest Global Burden of Disease Study ranks low back pain as the leading cause of disability worldwide. The one-year incidence has been estimated to be as high as 36 %, while the lifetime prevalence is thought to be close to 80 %. Regardless of treatment most patients enjoy full recovery from their symptoms. However recurrence is common. And while the prevalence is difficult to estimate, some patients go on to develop chronic back pain, typically defined as pain lasting longer than 3 months.