Epidemiologic study occupational low back pain and working posture

Abstract

The frequent occurrence of low back pain among nurses is well known and have been reported. This study is to evaluate low back pain in 346 manufacturers, 233 nurses and 40 office workers by means of questionnaire. Low back pain was frequently observed on nurses as comparison with other occupation, and it grew worse by work. In all occupations, working postures caused low back pain were lifting and a half-sitting postures. Three postures have been attributed on the performance of nurses handling patients. The risk factors of low back pain were standing posture in manufacturers, and a half- sitting posture in nurses.