Compensation, work status, and disability in low back pain patients.
METHODS
A prospectively designed study was performed to assess the influence of employment status and a compensation claim on patients experiencing low back pain.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the factor that most influences disability arising from low back pain, unemployment or a compensation claim.


BACKGROUND
Two hundred sixty-nine consecutive patients were assessed from a low back pain clinic.


METHODS
Disability was assessed using the Oswestry Disability Score, and employment, and compensation status were recorded.


RESULTS
Both unemployment and patients involved in compensation had higher disability scores. However, by controlling the data for employment and assessing only the compensation group it was found that those claiming compensation, but still working had significantly less disability than those claiming compensation who were unemployed.


CONCLUSIONS
Both unemployment and compensation claims influence disability, but employment status is the most important factor.
Sanderson
P L
PL
Department of Orthopaedics, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield, England.
Todd
B D
BD
Holt
G R
GR
Getty
C J
CJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000191:economics / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000191:economics / Q000523:psychology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014942:Workers' Compensation