[Occupational diseases of the spine in health care professions-- epidemiologic and insurance aspects (I). 1. Review of internationally publicized studies].

Due to spine-loading activities nursing professionals have a relatively high incidence/prevalence of low back pain. As lumbar disc disorders can be regarded as occupational diseases (since January 1993, occupational disease BK 2108, normally more than 10 years of exposition, lumbar disc disorders with pain and reduced motility) international literature is reviewed. Own results of different prevalence-, case-control- and incidence studies (relative risk for lumbago sciatica/odds ratio for disc prolaps appr. 3-6 depending on age and occupational age) are presented. Finally the question of compensation and prevention of disc disorders is discussed.