title: Degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine in laborers.
abstract: Low back injuries due to lifting are becoming the single most common cause of industrial disabling injuries and lost work days. Degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is a progressive condition afflicting workers in heavy industry at least ten years earlier than average blue collar workers. Of 82 workers who sustained a lifting lumbosacral strain, 23.4% were disabled for one year or more and 81% of patients over 50 years of age were disabled for one year or even permanently. The best therapy is prevention; this can be achieved through a concerted effort by the medical profession, industries and government agencies to help workers move from one category of work to another.
authors.forename: G T
authors.initials: GT
authors.lastname: Fiorini