Back Pain: Violante FS

Negrini S, Giovannoni S, Minozzi S, Barneschi G, Bonaiuti D, Bussotti A, D'Arienzo M, Di Lorenzo N, Mannoni A, Mattioli S, Modena V, Padua L, Serafini F, Violante FS. · ISICO (Italian Scientific Spine Institute), Milan, Don Carlo Gnocchi Foundation, ONLUS, IRCCS, Milan, Italy. · Eura Medicophys. · Pubmed #16767064 links to  free full text

This publication has no abstract.

Pillastrini P, Mugnai R, Farneti C, Bertozzi L, Bonfiglioli R, Curti S, Mattioli S, Violante FS. · Department of Neurological Sciences, School of Physiotherapy, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy. · Phys Ther. · Pubmed #17405805 links to  free full text

Abstract: BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a preventive ergonomic intervention, which was provided by physical therapists, on spinal and upper-extremity work-related posture and symptom complaints of workers who use video display terminals (VDT). SUBJECTS: Two hundred employees who spent at least 20 hours per week at a VDT were randomly divided into 2 groups. Group E received the ergonomic intervention and an informative brochure, and group I received only the brochure. METHODS: Both groups were evaluated at the beginning of the study and at a follow-up 5 months later. The following tools were used: a pain drawing and the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method to assess spinal and upper-extremity work-related posture. RESULTS: Group E had a lower REBA score and reduced lower back, neck, and shoulder symptoms compared with group I. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The results suggest that a personalized preventive ergonomic intervention can improve spinal and upper-extremity work-related posture and musculoskeletal symptoms for workers who use VDTs.

Violante FS, Graziosi F, Bonfiglioli R, Curti S, Mattioli S. · Occupational Health Unit (Medicina del Lavoro), Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Policlinico Sant'Orsola Malpighi, Via Palagi 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy. · Int Arch Occup Environ Health. · Pubmed #16001210 No free full text.

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Up-to-date store-wide studies regarding low back pain (LBP) among supermarket/hypermarket workers are lacking. We investigated 12-month store-wide prevalence of different categories of LBP and possible associated biomechanical, individual/psychosocial risk factors across a large supermarket/hypermarket chain. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study of 3,702 subjects working in a group of small/medium-sized supermarkets (n=100) and large hypermarkets (n=7) belonging to a single chain in central-northern Italy applying established ergonomics/job-satisfaction policies. Data regarding the various departments were collected by a medical check-list, physical examination and questionnaire-all conducted by qualified physicians--and were analyzed in relation to a comprehensive biomechanical risk analysis. RESULTS: The overall 12-month prevalence of LBP in our sample (with a 82% response rate) was 34.5% (36.6% for females and 30.7% for males), with few differences being found between supermarkets and hypermarkets. Different types of LBP showed significant associations with stress-related psychosomatic symptoms, but not with job satisfaction (which was high). CONCLUSIONS: These encouraging data provide relevant information regarding workers operating in supermarkets/hypermarkets with an active commitment to ergonomic and job-satisfaction policies.

Violante FS, Fiori M, Fiorentini C, Risi A, Garagnani G, Bonfiglioli R, Mattioli S. · Alma Mater Studiorum--University of Bologna, Occupational Medicine Unit, Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy. · J Occup Health. · Pubmed #15090684 links to  free full text

Abstract: Although back disorders are a major occupational problem for nursing staff, few studies distinguish different types. By means of a structured questionnaire, we performed a cross-sectional study on the prevalence of diagnosed lumbar disc hernia, chronic low-back pain (LBP) (at least 90 d in the preceding 12 months) and acute LBP (intense pain for at least 1 d) with respect to physical, individual and psychosocial factors among female nurses (n=587), nursing aides (n=228) and head-nurses (n=43) working in a university hospital (95% of the female workforce). Almost all respondents reported known high-risk occupational activities. Overall prevalence of reported back disorders was 44% (acute LBP 19%, chronic LBP 17%, lumbar hernia 8%). On multinomial logistic regression analysis, scoliosis and commonly stress-related psychosomatic symptoms were associated with all three types of back disorder; trauma/fractures of the spine, pelvis and/or legs and a global work-environment/job-satisfaction score with acute LBP; increasing age with lumbar disc hernia. While confirming the relevance of considering different definitions of back disorder, our data indicate items for investigation in cohort studies. These include: identification of specific risk factors for lumbar hernia; avoidance of possible work-environment risk factors such as hurried execution of different tasks at the same time; and influence on job suitability of underlying spinal pathologies such as scoliosis.

Violante FS, Mattioli S, Occhipinti E. · Alma Mater Studiorum, Università di Bologna, U.O. Medicina del lavoro, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna. · G Ital Med Lav Ergon. · Pubmed #14582244 No free full text.

Abstract: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are a major problem for industrialised societies, particularly in view of the elevated prevalence of low back pain (LBP) and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) among manual workers. Epidemiological studies show that work-related risk factors, such as lifting, twisting, bending, exposure to whole body vibration, and prolonged postures are prominent risk factors for LBP. For CTS, repetitive movements, hand-arm vibrations and use of forceful hand movements appear to be the major work-related risk factors. Psychological and psychosocial factors can also affect the onset of both disorders. This review provides an overview of the main evidence in the scientific literature on these issues.