Prevention of Occupational Back Pain: Saudi Aramco Experience

Abstract

fax 01-972-952-9435. AbstractThis paper reviews the scientific research on occupational back pain focusing on prevention and the Saudi Aramco experience. The challenges of translating the medical evidence into policy for this multi-factorial condition are discussed. Medical science is currently unable to clearly distinguish between back pain caused by work and that possibly due to other causes but affecting the individual's capacity to work. Back pain affects the majority of people at sometime in their lives and it is costly to medical services and industry. Once the risk factors for occupational back pain are identified, it can be prevented in the majority of cases or else it can become chronic and disabling. Failure to follow preventive programs may lead to a high incidence of occupational back pain.

Prevention of occupational Back Pain

“…[ 33 34 ] There is evidence to suggest that heavy lifting, driving, and vibration of the whole body are linked to occupational back pain. [ 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 ] There is also a significant increase in the risk of a work-related backache from prolonged bending and twisting on the job. [ 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 ] A past history of back pain is believed to be the most important single factor in predicting a future recurrence of back injury.…”

“…[ 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 ] There is also a significant increase in the risk of a work-related backache from prolonged bending and twisting on the job. [ 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 ] A past history of back pain is believed to be the most important single factor in predicting a future recurrence of back injury. [ 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 ] However, growing evidence links psychosocial risk factors to occupational back pain, particularly monotonous work, perceived high workload, pressure of time, lack of decision-making authority, and job dissatisfaction.…”

“…[ 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 ] A past history of back pain is believed to be the most important single factor in predicting a future recurrence of back injury. [ 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 ] However, growing evidence links psychosocial risk factors to occupational back pain, particularly monotonous work, perceived high workload, pressure of time, lack of decision-making authority, and job dissatisfaction. [ 46 47 48 ] Smoking and obesity have both been linked to nonoccupational back pain in epidemiological studies.…”

“…It is well-documented in the literature that the longer these patients are away from work, the harder it is to get them back to work. [ 45 74 ]…”