Epidemiología y riesgo de hernia discal lumbar en trabajadores activos.

Introduction: The objective of this study was to analyze the epidemiology of the low back pain and risk factors for lumbar disc herniation in the patient working age. Methods: Cross-sectional retrospective observational study identifying 75 patients with low back pain among active workers assisted by an occupational accident insurance company (73% men, mean age 46 years), of whom 48 (64%) had lumbar disc herniation. Results: Compared with workers without low back pain, only low economic status was a risk factor for low back pain (OR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.1-7.1). Among patients with low back pain, comparing lumbar disc herniation and not, low economic status was also a risk factor for disc herniation (OR, 4.5; 95% CI, 1.6-12.8). There were no patients who required surgery after one year of follow-up. The average time of temporary incapacity for work was 83 days. Conclusion: Heavy work influences the appearance of disc herniation, but the only significant predisposing factor was low salary. Surgical treatment is Infrequent.