Study of distribution and characteristics of spinal disorders using a validated questionnaire in a group of male subjects not exposed to occupational spinal risk factors.

This article presents the content and the application criteria of a questionnaire intended for the study of spinal disorders in workers and the results of an investigation, carried out via this questionnaire, in a group of 1205 male workers not exposed to occupational risks for the spine either currently or in the past. The data, stratified into three age classes (26-35, 36-45, and 46-55 years) concern: cases of disc herniation, cases of acute lumbago, subjects with spinal disorders in the period before the last 12 months. In addition, for each spinal segment (cervical, thoracic, and lumbar) data are reported on cases classified as positive according to predefined criteria, cases with disorders of any degree, disability caused by disorders, absence from work, and recourse to treatment for disorders. These data constitute a reference for cross-sectional epidemiologic studies on the diffusion and features of spinal disorders in workers exposed to occupational risks for the spine, performed using the same questionnaire. The authors discuss selection criteria and criteria for use of the data in inferential analysis for the purposes of producing correct assumptions on the causal relationships between occupational risk and spinal disorders.