Medically certified work loss, recurrence and costs of wage compensation for back pain: a follow-up study of the working population of Jersey

The 1 yr incidence, prevalence and wages compensation costs of work lossdue to medically certified back pain in the working population of Jerseywere identified by analysis of the Social Security database for the year1994. A total of 2291 subjects absenting due to back pain during thisperiod were followed for up to 3 yr to identify return to work rates andsubsequent absences. Incidence and prevalence rates were 5.6 and 6.3%,respectively. The cost of wages compensation was 1.29 million pounds or10.5% of such benefits paid. Work loss was greater for the second absence.The rate of return to work was broadly in line with that suggested by theClinical Standards Advisory Group (CSAG), but the number still absent at 1yr was less, suggesting that the CSAG figures for long-term absence mayhave been overestimated. The influence of compensation systems andunemployment on work-related absence due to back pain is highlighted.