Outcomes in work-related upper extremity and low back injuries: Results of a retrospective study

Abstract

Background The outcomes of treatment for work‐related injuries and illnesses are multidimensional and complex, but have rarely been explored in detail. This study was intended to provide information on a sample of workers representing a range of jobs and employers typical of the workers compensation system. Methods A mailed, self‐report survey measuring multiple dimensions was conducted. Identified through the New Hampshire Division of Workers' Compensation First Report of Injury database, a sample of workers with injuries to their lower back (60%) or upper extremities (40%) a year prior to the study were surveyed. Response rate was 80% (N=169; upper extremity cases=70; low back cases=99). Results Most (82.8%) were working one year post‐injury. Over half reported residual effects of the injury on work or activities of daily living. Many working subjects reported persistent injury‐related anxiety and pain at the end of the work day, worse in those with low back pain compared to those with upper extremity injuries. Almost 40% of those who returned to work suffered a reinjury. Forty‐four percent of respondents suffered significant injury‐related financial problems, which were worse in those who had been out of work for longer periods. Conclusions Occupational musculoskeletal injuries do result in significant, long‐term adverse physical, economic, and psychological consequences, as demonstrated in self‐reported surveys. Am. J. Ind. Med. 37:400–409, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

Musculoskeletal disorders among construction roofers—physical function and disability

“…The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among these roofers was consistent with the results of prior studies reporting a high rate of continuing symptoms after an episode of acute low-back pain in the general population (20)(21)(22)(23)(24), among workers with occupational low-back pain (22,25,26), and among construction workers with musculoskeletal disorders (27). Many workers with musculoskeletal disorders continue to work with pain (28)(29)(30) and report residual effects on work or daily living (28).…”

“…and eight other body areas, with additional questions to elicit a specific diagnosis for each body area reported. We used the Short Form-12 (SF-12) (14) questionnaire, eight items from the Work Limitations Questionnaire (15), and a series of questions developed and validated by Pransky et al (16) to assess social and economic changes in the past 12 months and questions from Keogh et al (17) on job accommodation. We classified each participant as having none, 1-2, or ≥3 limitations according to responses to the Work Limitations Questionnaire.…”

Return to work following disabling occupational injury – facilitators of employment continuation

“…The extent to which results generalize to those who do not go on to receive vocational services is unclear. However, given that research has found that more than half of people with compensated occupational injuries have ongoing limitations (46), it is likely that the problems encountered are not unique to the study population. While it is likely that others encounter similar problems, the current sample is of particular interest because they successfully negotiated the complicated return-to-work process, managing to find employment, and -for the most part -staying employed.…”

Investigating the Relationship Between Social Support and Durable Return to Work

“…Research has found that the majority of workers with upper extremity and lower back injuries reported the ongoing impact of the injury on work and activities of daily living one year post-injury (Pransky et al, 2000). Consistent with the JD-R model, lack of support in the workplace may decrease the motivation of injured workers to persist during times of hardship, leading to poor RTW outcomes (Karasek, Triantis, & Chandhry, 1982).…”