TY - JOUR T1 - Vocational rehabilitation of workers with back pain JO - Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health PY - 2001/10VL - 27 IS - 5 SP - 346 EP - 352 AU - Verbeek, Jos HAM M3 - doi: 10.5271/sjweh.624 UR - https://www.sjweh.fi/show_abstract.php?abstract_id=624 KW - back pain KW - clinical practice guidelines KW - disability evaluation KW - discussion paper KW - occupational health physician KW - occupational health services KW - return to work KW - review KW - vocational rehabilitation KW - worker N2 -

This paper concerns the concepts and practices currently in use in occupational health for the rehabilitation of workers with back pain. No conclusive evidence exists for an etiologic model for nonspecific back pain. A difference between acute and chronic back pain is backed up by evidence from the literature. Apart from having the patient stay active and return to ordinary activities as early as possible, there are no significant forms of intervention for acute back pain that effectively decrease the time off work. For chronic back pain multidisciplinary treatment in an occupational setting is effective in enhancing return to work. Clinical practice guidelines consist of diagnostic triage, the assessment of "red flags" for medical emergencies, and guidance in the appropriate application of diagnostic facilities. Occupational health guidelines concentrate on gradual return to work, psychosocial issues, and multidisciplinary rehabilitation facilities.

SN - 0355-3140 ER -