With Kurt T. Hegmann MD, MPH, Maureen Murtaugh, PhD, and Matthew S. Thiese, MSPH (University of Utah, School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84108): "Low Back Pain in Commercial Drivers"

Methods
Commercial Drivers reportedly have elevated rates of low back pain (LBP) with prevalence estimates ranging from 50 percent to 75 percent. We present preliminary results from an ongoing investigation of personal and work-related risk factors associated with LBP. Enrollments and data collection are in progress and we will provide data from the larger sample size.

Background
A questionnaire, biometrics and serology were collected from 50 Commercial Drivers. We calculated lifetime and one-year period prevalence rates for self-reported LBP. Logistic regression-adjusted Odds Ratios (ORs) for lifetime and one-year period prevalence of LBP were calculated for the following variables: age >50, BMI >30, tobacco use, history of DM, cholesterol, HbA1C > 7, exercise, and loading/unloading activity.

Results
One-year period prevalence for LBP among Commercial Drivers was 31 percent. Lifetime prevalence was 54 percent. Exercise was found to be associated with decreased lifetime prevalence of LBP [OR=0.303 (95%CI 0.09-1.0)]. We did not find statistical associations with other variables.

Conclusions
Commercial Drivers are at increased risk for self-reported LBP. Exercise is associated with decreased rates of LBP.

Dr. Eric M. Wood, MD, MPH (2006 Medical Fellow)
Dr. Eric M. Wood, MD, MPH, is Associate Residency Program Director and Clinical Instructor at the University Of Utah School Of Medicine. He is board certified in Occupational Medicine and Family Medicine. Dr. Wood has co-written papers about Periscapular Pain with Tenderness and Analysis of Associated Factors, Risk for Low Back Pain among Health Care Workers, and Health Hazards of the Microelectronics Industry. He has received research grants from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and private sector companies.