title: A cross-sectional survey of the clinical and psychological features of low back pain and consequent work handicap: use of the Quebec Task Force classification.
abstract: A hospital-based cross-sectional study examined 657 consecutive referrals with low back pain over two years to a district rheumatology service serving a population of about 250,000 people. Five hundred and thirty-eight had mechanical/degenerative low back pain. The mean age was 48.6 (range 18-80 SD 15.3) years; 64% were women. Patients with radiating pain or neurological deficit (Quebec Task Force classification) were significantly more disabled (Roland disability score p < 0.001) and depressed (Modified Zung score p < 0.05) than those without radiating pain. Women were more impaired (p = 0.02) than men but had similar disabilities (mean Roland score 11.7, range 0-24 SD 6.5). Fifty-three per cent of patients were receiving benefits and were significantly more likely to have musculoskeletal comorbidities than those in work (p < 0.025). It is concluded that the Quebec Task Force classification of low back pain impairment is a helpful descriptor and related to both physical and psychological disability and handicap in employment.
authors.affiliation: Departments of Rehabilitation Medicine and Rheumatology, Northwick Park Hospital and Institute of Medical Research Harrow, Middlesex, UK.
authors.forename: A O
authors.initials: AO
authors.lastname: Frank
authors.forename: L H
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: De Souza
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: McAuley
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Sharma
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Main
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000379:methods*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors