Low back pain incident episodes: a community-based study.
BACKGROUND
The available evidence regarding low back pain (LBP) incident episodes is not consistent. Such knowledge can add information for the potential contribution of preventive programs.


OBJECTIVE
a) To evaluate annual incident episodes of LBP among the general population. b) To evaluate the contribution of demographic, lifestyle, and back pain history to LBP incident episodes.


METHODS
A community-based longitudinal study.


METHODS
A randomized sample of individuals, free of LBP at a previous cross-sectional survey.


METHODS
Low back pain during the past year.


METHODS
Subjects were followed up after 1 year. Baseline data included back pain history, perception of general health, physical activity, smoking, work satisfaction, and demographic characteristics.


RESULTS
Annual incident episodes of LBP were 18.4%. Those who experienced LBP during the past year had a lower baseline perception of general health and were less involved in sporting activities than those free of pain. Those without history of LBP were more likely to be free of back pain after 1 year.


CONCLUSIONS
The annual incident episodes of LBP are relatively high and relate indirectly to baseline perception of general health and to level of sporting activities. Those without history of LBP are more likely to be free of back pain after 1 year. These results raise the potential of LBP preventive programs for adult populations.
Jacob
Tamar
T
Department of Physiotherapy, The College of Judea and Samaria, Ariel, Israel. jacobtamar@hotmail.com
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors