Factors Inherent in the Worker
Age
The prevalence of CTDs increases as people enter their working years (ages 25 to 65).
By the age of 35, most people have had their first episode of back pain. Once in their working years, the prevalence is relatively consistent. Musculoskeletal impairments are among the most prevalent and symptomatic health problems of middle and old age.
Nonetheless, age groups with the highest rates of compensable back pain and strains are the 20-24 age group for men and 30-34 age group for women. In addition to decreases in musculoskeletal function due to the development of age-related degenerative disorders, loss of tissue strength with age may increase the probability or severity of soft tissue damage from a given injury.
Another problem is that advancing age and increasing number of years on the job are usually highly correlated. Older workers have been found to have less strength than younger workers, although hand strength does not appear to decline with aging. In one study, average hand pinch and grip scores remained relatively stable in their population with a range of 29 to 59 years. Other studies have reported a lack of increased risk associated with aging.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-3. By the age of _____, most people have had their first episode of back pain.
You forgot to answer the question!