An investigation into factors predisposing to low back pain in workers in a motor vehicle parts distribution centre

Abstract

Low back pain is a common complaint which has a high socio-economic cost. Very little information is available in South Africa as to its prevalence or factors associated with it. A group of material handlers was targeted to investigate these aspects. Two groups were randomly sampled, one who complained of low back pain and the control group who did not. Both groups took part in a structured questionnaire relating to their work environment and also underwent a physical examination. Bending and lifting parts from the floor and the participation in heavy physical activity were factors that were associated with reported low back pain in the subject group as were a decrease in the overall mobility of the lumbar spine and a decrease in strength of rectus abdominis and the oblique abdominal muscles.