PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Lars Louis Andersen
AU  - Ole Steen Mortensen
AU  - Jørgen Vinsløv Hansen
AU  - Hermann Burr
TI  - A prospective cohort study on severe pain as a risk factor for long-term sickness absence in blue- and white-collar workers
AID  - 10.1136/oem.2010.056259
DP  - 2011 Aug 01
TA  - Occupational and Environmental Medicine
PG  - 590--592
VI  - 68
IP  - 8
4099  - http://oem.bmj.com/content/68/8/590.short
4100  - http://oem.bmj.com/content/68/8/590.full
SO  - Occup Environ Med2011 Aug 01; 68
AB  - Objective To estimate the impact of pain in different body regions on future long-term sickness absence (LTSA) among blue- and white-collar workers.Method Prospective cohort study in a representative sample of 5603 employees (the Danish Work Environment Cohort Study) interviewed in 2000, and followed in 2001–2002 in a national sickness absence register. Cox regression analysis was performed to assess the risk estimates of mutually adjusted severe pain in the neck/shoulder, low back, hand/wrist and knees for onset of LTSA, defined as receiving sickness absence compensation for at least 3 consecutive weeks. Age, gender, body mass index, smoking and diagnosed disease were controlled for.Results In 2000 the prevalence among blue- and white-collar workers, respectively, of severe pain was 33% and 29% (neck/shoulder), 33% and 25% (low back), 16% and 11% (hand/wrists), and 16% and 12% (knees). During 2001–2002, the prevalence of LTSA among blue- and white-collar workers was 18% and 12%, respectively. Hand/wrist pain (HR 1.49, 95% CI 1.23 to 1.81) and low back pain (HR 1.30, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.53) were significant risk factors among the total cohort. Neck/shoulder pain was a significant risk factor among white-collar workers only (HR 1.35, 95% CI 1.21 to 1.85). Knee pain was not a significant risk factor.Conclusion While hand/wrist pain and low back pain are general risk factors for LTSA, neck/shoulder pain is a specific risk factor among white-collar workers. This study suggests the potential for preventing future LTSA through interventions to manage or reduce musculoskeletal pain.