Anamnestische und klinische befunde bei schweren rückenschmerzen: Eine klinisch epidemiologische untersuchung an einer stichprobe von LVA-versicherten

Translated title of the contribution: Physical impairments and comorbidities in a sample of members of a pension fund of blue collar-workers suffering from severe low back pain

M. Ekkernkamp, Oskar Mittag*, C. Matthis, A. Raspe, H. Raspe

*Corresponding author for this work

Abstract

Aim: Idiopathic (unspecific) low back pain is the most common rheumatological complaint. Results of international studies give evidence that in about 80% of the cases a specific diagnosis is not possible, thus creating an unsatisfactory situation for the orthopaedist. We feel that it is necessary to keep the discussion on the rate of specific causes for low back pain open. Methods: In the context of a research project on the need for rehabilitation, 335 subjects suffering from severe low back pain were subjected to a physical (orthopaedic-neurological) examination. Also, a questionnaire was distributed assessing psychological status, work situation, comorbid conditions, risk factors, and demography. Results: In more than half of the subjects, clues for a specific cause for the back pain were found; in more than one third of the cases there were one or more neurological signs. Conclusion: The data presented demonstrate that specific causes for low back pain might be more common than generally assumed. This leads us to the conclusion that there is a need for more clinically-oriented, population-based (epidemiological) research on possible pathologic causes of low back pain and comorbid conditions.

Translated title of the contributionPhysical impairments and comorbidities in a sample of members of a pension fund of blue collar-workers suffering from severe low back pain
Original languageGerman
JournalZeitschrift fur Orthopadie und Ihre Grenzgebiete
Volume142
Issue number6
Pages (from-to)720-726
Number of pages7
ISSN0044-3220
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 12.2004

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