Factors important in the genesis and prevention of occupational back pain and disability.

Back injuries in the work place are rarely caused by direct trauma; typically, they are the result of overexertion. Although problems exist in epidemiological studies of risk factors for low back pain and sciatica, there are seven occupational factors that have been associated with an increased risk in several studies: six physical and one psychological and psychosocial. Of individual factors, age is the most important, while sex and smoking are probable risk factors.