International management of the work-related low back pain and the present state in Japan

Abstract

The work-related low back pain (occupational low back pain) has been a serious problem not only in western countries but in Japan, since it may influence not only the individual worker but the society to which he or she belongs. Many studies revealed that the psychosocial factors are important as well as the physical factors in the development of low back pain. To solve the problem, we need further knowledge about the mechanism of low back pain; improvement of work environment or work schedule; prevention of transition from acute to chronic pain taking into consideration of the psychosocial aspects; and/or development of effective treatment of chronic low back pain.