Police officers are often exposed risk factors for low back pain (LBP), but few studies have specifically looked at LBP and its effect on members of this profession. Questionnaires completed by 3,589 law enforcement officers revealed that nearly 70% reported LBP symptoms in the past twelve months, and almost 97% of them perceived that presence of LBP was totally/partially linked to their work in the police force. Nearly 30% of respondents lived with chronic LBP, and these officers were more likely to report a reduction of work activities and lost work days in the past year. The findings shed light on the frequency and burden of chronic low back pain among police officers and underscore the importance implementing workplace management programs for this condition.
Spine, February 2017