ABSTRACT
Upper extremity CTDs may follow a similar natural history to that of low back pain. Work-related low back pain has been more extensively studied by rehabilitation and medical experts. The success of various interventions and rehabilitation methods for work-related low back pain provides a model to develop intervention strategies for CTDs. The familiar 20/80 rule applies to the probability that low back pain sufferers will return to work. Within six weeks of injury, 80% of workers with acute low back pain return to work. The remaining 20% of workers will develop chronic low back problems, will not return to work, and represent 80% of the total medical costs related to back pain. Further, if a worker has not returned to work after 6 months, rehabilitative measures become less successful. Study results (Nachemson, 1983) reflect a 30% return-to-work rate after 6 months of injury; 10% return to work after 1 year. 1 These startling statistics emphasize the importance of aggressively addressing problems after their onset, and led to the “work hardening” movement in rehabilitation intervention.
