Thus , WIs were seldom design ed to improve return-to-work .
Overall , there was low quality evidence that showed no significant differences between WIs and no intervention for pain prevalence or severity .
If present , significant results in favour of WIs were not sustained across follow-up times .
Overall , this review found low quality evidence that neither supported nor refuted the benefits of any specific WI for pain relief and moderate quality evidence that a multiple-component intervention reduced sickness absence in the intermediate-term , which was not sustained over time .
BACKGROUND Musculoskeletal disorders are the most common cause of disability in many industrial countries .
Recurrent and chronic pain accounts for a substantial portion of workers ' absenteeism .
Neck pain seems to be more prominent in the general population than previously known .
OBJECTIVES To determine the effectiveness of workplace interventions ( WIs ) in adult workers with neck pain .
Risk factors for new episodes of sick leave due to neck or back pain in a working population. A prospective study with an 18-month and a three-year follow-up
Objectives : To identify risk factors for new episodes of sick leave due to neck or back pain . Methods : This prospect i ve study comprised an industrial population of 2187 employees who were followed up at 18 months and 3 years after a comprehensive baseline measurement . The potential risk factors comprised physical and psychosocial work factors , health-related and pain-related characteristics and lifestyle and demographic factors . The response rate at both follow-ups was close to 73 % . Results : At the 18-month follow-up , 151 participants reported at least one episode of sick-listing due to neck or back pain during the previous year . Risk factors assessed at baseline for sick leave due to neck or back pain at the follow-up were blue-collar work , back pain one or several times during the previous year , 1–99 days of cumulative sickness absence during the previous year ( all causes except neck or back pain ) , uncertainty of one ’s own working ability in 2 years ’ time and the experience of few positive challenges at work . After 3 years , 127 participants reported at least one episode of sick leave due to back or neck pain during the year previous to follow-up . The risk factors for this pain-related sick leave were blue-collar work , several earlier episodes of neck pain , no everyday physical activities during leisure time ( cleaning , gardening and so on ) , lower physical functioning and , for blue-collar workers separately , repetitive work procedures . Conclusion : The most consistent risk factors for new episodes of sick leave due to neck or back pain found during both the follow-ups were blue-collar work and several earlier episodes of neck or back pain assessed at baseline . Preventive efforts to decrease sick leave due to neck or back pain may include measures to increase the occurrence of positive challenges at work and to minimise repetitive work procedures . An evidence -based secondary prevention of neck and back pain including advice to stay active is also warranted
Thus , WIs were seldom design ed to improve return-to-work .
Overall , there was low quality evidence that showed no significant differences between WIs and no intervention for pain prevalence or severity .
If present , significant results in favour of WIs were not sustained across follow-up times .
Overall , this review found low quality evidence that neither supported nor refuted the benefits of any specific WI for pain relief and moderate quality evidence that a multiple-component intervention reduced sickness absence in the intermediate-term , which was not sustained over time .
BACKGROUND Musculoskeletal disorders are the most common cause of disability in many industrial countries .
Recurrent and chronic pain accounts for a substantial portion of workers ' absenteeism .
Neck pain seems to be more prominent in the general population than previously known .
OBJECTIVES To determine the effectiveness of workplace interventions ( WIs ) in adult workers with neck pain .