Work absence in a cohort with benign back pain: Prospective study with 10 year follow-up.

A cohort of nearly 1000 men with some level of back problems at time of their drafting were prospectively followed over a 10-year period. In connection with drafting for military service they answered a questionnaire and were clinically examined. The main aim of the study was to follow work absence and the impact of back pain on everyday life. Everyday problems because of the back pain did not significantly increase over the follow-up period and self-reported work absence decreased. Heavy work was associated with an increased risk for work absence but not for back/neck problems.