Degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine in laborers.

Low back injuries due to lifting are becoming the single most common cause of industrial disabling injuries and lost work days. Degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is a progressive condition afflicting workers in heavy industry at least ten years earlier than average blue collar workers. Of 82 workers who sustained a lifting lumbosacral strain, 23.4% were disabled for one year or more and 81% of patients over 50 years of age were disabled for one year or even permanently. The best therapy is prevention; this can be achieved through a concerted effort by the medical profession, industries and government agencies to help workers move from one category of work to another.