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                    Complaints of musculoskeletal pain (especially low back pain) 
                    account for more than 300 million physician visits annually 
                    in the U.S. 
                    alone, despite advances in research, treatment and rehabilitation. 
                    More than 50% of women experience at least one episode of 
                    low back pain (LBP) by age 18; 50% of men experience the same 
                    by age 20.  
 In a study designed to investigate potential workplace factors 
                    contributing to musculoskeletal pain, 6,626 men completed 
                    a questionnaire and physical and psychological examinations 
                    at age 18 (1979-1980). In 1999, 6,266 of the original subjects 
                    were located and completed a follow-up questionnaire. Both 
                    the baseline and follow-up questionnaires focused on back 
                    and neck pain and exposure to physical load in the work environment; 
                    the follow-up questionnaire also contained a self-administered 
                    test of physical function.   A significantly higher risk of frequent back, neck and/or 
                    shoulder problems was noted at follow-up in men who performed 
                    heavy work or who described a "great effect of back pain on 
                    everyday activities" at baseline. Specifically, early back 
                    pain causing work absence, reduced activity, and heavy workload 
                    corresponded with higher risk for future back pain.
 What can you do to combat musculoskeletal pain? For tips 
                    on prevention and management of this all-too-common condition, 
                    schedule an appointment with your doctor of chiropractic! 
                    For more information on back pain, visit https://www.chiroweb.com/find/tellmeabout/backpain.html. 
                   Reference: Hellsing A-L, Bryngelsson I-L. Predictors of musculoskeletal 
                    pain in men. A twenty-year follow-up from examination at enlistment. 
                    Spine 2000: Vol. 25, No. 23, pp3080-86. |