Unsuccessful Prevention of Low Back Pain
Review articles have conclud-ed that evidence is as yet insufficient to provide conclusive proof of the efficacy, or lack of efficacy, of lumbar supports in prevention of low back pain. This study reports results of a randomized controlled trial of lumbar supports and education in prevention of back pain in industry in the Netherlands. All 282 participants were manual workers in the cargo department of a major Dutch airline.
The Work S'port brand back support was given to half the group; one-fourth received only education; and one-fourth of the group functioned as controls. Education included lifting instruction, body awareness and posture suggestions, and relaxation exercises, all instructed by experienced therapists. All groups were monitored for six months.
Before entering into therapeutic arms, most patients reported that they believed lumbar supports can reduce back pain in the workplace and that lifting instructions are similarly useful.
After using the supports, almost half of subjects reported restriction in freedom of movement and difficulty with comfort when seated.
In concordance with most prior trials, education alone was found not to prevent low back pain. Lumbar supports were not effective in reducing back pain either, which is also in agreement with the bulk of previous randomized trial data.
The authors conclude that use of lumbar supports and/or education to prevent back pain in the workplace is not warranted on the basis of these data.
van Poppel MNM, et al. JAMA 1998; 279:1789-1794.
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