Back Sprain Sustained in Motor Vehicle Accidents: Factors Influencing Time Off Work

Abstract

500 cases of back sprains sustained in motor vehicle accidents were studied over a period of 5 years to determine which factors affected the length of time off work. Radiation of back pain into the lower limbs was associated with a longer mean time off work than those in whom the pain was confined to the back. Those in the younger age groups took relatively less time off work than those in the older age groups.

There was little relationship between occupation and mean time off work. Those who drove for a living took the greatest mean time away from work but this trend was not statistically significant. Work of a heavy manual nature did not militate against a relatively early return to work.

Key Words:

• back pain
• motor vehicle accident
• work incapacity
• occupation