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European Spine Journal

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01-02-2013 | Original Article

Prevalence of low back pain and factors associated with chronic disabling back pain in Japan

Authors: Tomoko Fujii, Ko Matsudaira

Published in: European Spine Journal | Issue 2/2013

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to report lifetime and 4-week low back pain (LBP) prevalence and examine factors associated with chronic LBP and back pain disability over a lifetime in a Japanese adult population.

Methods

In February 2011, 1,063,083 adults aged 20–79 years registered as internet research volunteers were randomly selected to participate in a questionnaire survey. The data from 65,496 respondents were analyzed to calculate age-standardized lifetime and 4-week prevalence. Chronic LBP and back pain disability were defined as LBP lasting for ≥3 months and a consecutive ≥4-day-long absence, respectively. Factors associated with chronic disabling back pain over a lifetime were examined by multiple logistic regression modeling.

Results

The lifetime LBP prevalence was 83 % and 4-week prevalence was 36 %; majority of the respondents had disability-free LBP. Smoking [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.17; 95 % CI: 1.05, 1.30], lower educational level (aOR: 1.21; 95 % CI: 1.09, 1.34), history of disabling back pain among family members and/or significant others (aOR: 1.46; 95 % CI: 1.27, 1.67), occupational LBP (aOR: 1.34; 95 % CI: 1.16, 1.55), traffic injury (aOR: 2.81; 95 % CI: 2.07, 3.81), compensated work injury (aOR: 2.42; 95 % CI: 1.92, 3.05), radiating pain (aOR: 4.94; 95 % CI: 4.45, 5.48), low back surgery (aOR: 10.69; 95 % CI: 9.02, 12.68), and advice to rest upon back pain consultation (aOR: 3.84; 95 % CI: 3.36, 4.40) were associated with chronic disabling back pain over a lifetime.

Conclusions

LBP is common in Japan as in other industrialized countries. The association between the advice to rest and chronic disabling back pain supports recent treatment guidelines emphasizing continuation of daily activities.

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Title: Prevalence of low back pain and factors associated with chronic disabling back pain in Japan
Authors: Tomoko Fujii
Ko Matsudaira
Publication date: 01-02-2013
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Spine Journal / Issue 2/2013
Print ISSN: 0940-6719
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0932
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-012-2439-0

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Prevalence of low back pain and factors associated with chronic disabling back pain in Japan

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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