Berufskrankheit Nr. 2108–2110 – bandscheibenbedingte Erkrankungen der Wirbelsäule

The inclusion of disc-related disease of the cervical and lumbar spinal column in the Occupational Illness Ordinance with effect in law from 1 January 1993 brought with it a multitude of problems on a scal no-one could have foreseen for medical experts. At that time there were absolutely no conclusive criteria available to distinguish the many cases that were not specifically occupational in origin from cases that were classifiable as occupationally induced. Such criteria appeared to be urgently needed, especially as even considerable occupational stress on the spine is by no means sure to result in disease of the disc. The epidemiologically derived data gathered from disc-related diseases in specific occupational sectors alone have proved unsuitable for application as conclusive criteria of causation in individual cases as demanded by the legislator. The historical developments directed at solving the problems involved for those entrusted with providing expert opinions are presentd, as are the tentative approaches currently being followed.