Epidemiologic aspects on low-back pain in industry.

The role of epidemiology with respect to back pain in industry is to clarify the natural history and clinical course of the pain and to identify workplace factors and individual factors of importance. On the basis of knowledge obtained through epidemiologic research, preventive measures can be instituted and risk factors eliminated. This paper reviews epidemiological data accumulated over the past 30 years. The impact of back conditions on industry is emphasized.