title: Identification of risk factors for new-onset sciatica in Japanese workers: findings from the Japan epidemiological research of Occupation-related Back pain study.
abstract: METHODS
  Two-year, prospective cohort data collected for the Japan epidemiological research of Occupation-related Back pain study were used for the analysis.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To identify potential risk factors for the development of new-onset sciatica in initially symptom-free Japanese workers with no history of sciatica.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Although the associations between individual and occupational factors and cases of new-onset sciatica are established, the effect of psychosocial factors on the development of sciatica has still not been adequately clarified.
  
  
  METHODS
  In total, 5310 participants responded to a self-administered baseline questionnaire (response rate: 86.5%). Furthermore, 3194 (60.2%) completed both 1- and 2-year follow-up questionnaires. The baseline questionnaire assessed individual characteristics, ergonomic work demands, and work-related psychosocial factors. The outcome of interest was new-onset sciatica with or without low back pain during the 2-year follow-up period. Incidence was calculated for participants who reported no low back pain in the preceding year and no history of lumbar radicular pain (sciatica) at baseline. Logistical regression assessed risk factors associated with new-onset sciatica.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 765 eligible participants, 141 (18.4%) reported a new episode of sciatica during the 2-year follow-up. In crude analysis, significant associations were found between new-onset sciatica and age and obesity. In adjusted analysis, significant associations were found for obesity and mental workload in a qualitative aspect after controlling for age and sex. Consequently, in multivariate analysis with all the potential risk factors, age and obesity remained statistically significant (odds ratios: 1.59, 95% confidence interval: 1.01-2.52; odds ratios: 1.77, 95% confidence interval: 1.17-2.68, respectively).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In previously asymptomatic Japanese workers, the risk of developing new-onset sciatica is mediated by individual factors. Our findings suggest that the management of obesity may prevent new-onset sciatica.
  
  
  METHODS
  3.
authors.affiliation: *Clinical Research Center for Occupational Musculoskeletal Disorders, Kanto Rosai Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan; †Clinical Study Support, Inc., Chikusa-ku, Nagoya Japan ‡Division of Clinical Research Consultation, Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo Medical University, Japan §Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan ¶Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Yokohama Rosai Hospital, Yokohama, Japan; and ‖Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nagasaki Rosai Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan.
authors.forename: Ko
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Matsudaira
authors.forename: Mika
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kawaguchi
authors.forename: Tatsuya
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Isomura
authors.forename: Mayumi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Arisaka
authors.forename: Tomoko
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Fujii
authors.forename: Katsushi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Takeshita
authors.forename: Tomoaki
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kitagawa
authors.forename: Kota
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Miyoshi
authors.forename: Hiroaki
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Konishi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001416:Back Pain / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015897:Comorbidity; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007564:Japan / Q000453:epidemiology; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012307:Risk Factors; D012585:Sciatica / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016526:Workload