Biomedical subjects

Tamar Jacob

Publications and source records attributed to Tamar Jacob.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Are localized low back pain and generalized back pain similar entities? Results of a longitudinal community based study.

PURPOSE: To compare subjects with localized low back pain (LBP) and with generalized back pain (BP) with regard to baseline characteristics and long-term outcomes. METHODS: A community-based longitudinal study. All inhabitants aged 22 - 70 of a single town were asked to complete self-administered questionnaires regarding back and neck pain and lifestyle characteristics. Those reporting LBP during the previous month were followed up after one year. Data were stratified by sites of pain with respect to 'localized LBP' and to 'LBP with additional sites of BP'. Among LBP measures were the Roland and Morris Disability scale and Pain symptoms indices. RESULTS: Nearly 30% of the total population (602) experienced LBP during the previous month, of whom more than half (336) reported 'localized LBP' and the rest LBP + neck and or upper back pain (Generalized BP). Both subgroups differed from those free of BP, however, those reported 'Generalized BP' comprised more females, were less educated, smoked more, were less engaged in sporting activities and reported higher level of LBP measures than those reported 'localized LBP'. After one year, both subgroups were similar with regard to lifestyle but remained different with regard to some of the LBP measures. CONCLUSIONS: Subjects with 'localized LBP' presented healthier lifestyle than subjects with 'Generalized BP'. The latter experienced higher degree of pain measures. It seems that 'Generalized BP' is not a different entity than 'localized LBP' but rather a more severe one.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

A longitudinal, community-based study of low back pain outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the report of low back pain (LBP) over 1 year and its predictors in individuals reporting symptoms during an initial cross-sectional survey. STUDY DESIGN: A longitudinal community-based study. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The natural history of LBP is poorly understood. Different studies report various rates of persistent and recurrent symptoms as well as different predictors of outcomes. METHODS: Subjects from a single town in Israel reporting low back pain during the previous month were followed up after 2 and 12 months. The primary outcome was experiencing LBP and the secondary outcomes were pain and functional status as measured by the Roland & Morris Disability questionnaire and Pain Symptoms Frequency and Bothersomeness Indexes. RESULTS: More than three fourths reported LBP (different levels of severity) after 2 and 12 months. This group did not show an improvement in pain measures. Baseline pain characteristics and perception of general health were predictors of both primary and secondary outcomes. Work satisfaction and experiencing a negative event during the past months were also predictors of the secondary outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: In this community-based study, LBP symptoms after 1 year are common and symptoms of those experiencing LBP at follow up do not improve over time. Predictors of experiencing LBP and of LBP symptoms after 1 year included baseline pain characteristics and psychosocial factors.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Physical activities and low back pain: a community-based study.

PURPOSE: Very little is known about the relationship between physical activity and low back pain (LBP) in general populations. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between different dimensions of physical activity and LBP among all adults of a defined community. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey addressed all adults aged 22-70 of a single town. Inhabitants were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire regarding physical activities, LBP, and related characteristics. The Beacke Physical Activity Questionnaire evaluated physical activity, and the Modified Roland and Morris Disability Questionnaire, a pain severity scale, and the Pain Symptoms Frequency and Bothersomeness Indices evaluated LBP. RESULTS: High occupational activity demands contributed to increased LBP prevalence, and, conversely, high sporting activity participation contributed to a decline in all LBP measures. Subjects free of LBP and subjects who participate in sporting activities are more likely not to smoke and not to participate in high occupational activity demands. Type of sporting activity was not associated with LBP prevalence or severity. CONCLUSIONS: Different dimensions of physical activity yield different relationships to LBP. There are several shared characteristics of those participating in sport on a regular basis and those free of LBP. Both groups present a healthier lifestyle. Although LBP was less frequent among those who participate in sporting activities, participating in sporting activities did not contribute independently to a lower prevalence of LBP. However, once LBP was established, participating in sporting activities contributed indirectly to its severity.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Low back pain incident episodes: a community-based study.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: The available evidence regarding low back pain (LBP) incident episodes is not consistent. Such knowledge can add information for the potential contribution of preventive programs. PURPOSE: a) To evaluate annual incident episodes of LBP among the general population. b) To evaluate the contribution of demographic, lifestyle, and back pain history to LBP incident episodes. STUDY DESIGN: A community-based longitudinal study. PATIENT SAMPLE: A randomized sample of individuals, free of LBP at a previous cross-sectional survey. OUTCOME MEASURES: Low back pain during the past year. METHODS: Subjects were followed up after 1 year. Baseline data included back pain history, perception of general health, physical activity, smoking, work satisfaction, and demographic characteristics. RESULTS: Annual incident episodes of LBP were 18.4%. Those who experienced LBP during the past year had a lower baseline perception of general health and were less involved in sporting activities than those free of pain. Those without history of LBP were more likely to be free of back pain after 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: The annual incident episodes of LBP are relatively high and relate indirectly to baseline perception of general health and to level of sporting activities. Those without history of LBP are more likely to be free of back pain after 1 year. These results raise the potential of LBP preventive programs for adult populations.

Adult↗