This page lists all research updates available on Return to Work Matters.
Research is chosen for review based on quality of the evidence and its practical value in return to work.
Requests to undertake reviews of research on particular subjects are welcome.
Click the ‘Topics’ button below to drill down into all articles and research updates on your topic of interest.
Back problems are commonly attributed to work and many in the community believe that heavy...
A Netherlands study has produced a simple, efficient means for assessing the probable duration...
New research shows patient anxiety and distress about a lower back complaint significantly...
Researchers have found spinal manipulative therapy yields small improvements in chronic low back...
A randomized controlled trial from Sweden offers hope for chronic back pain sufferers.
Positive workplace environments are necessary for workplace health programs to be successful.
A Finnish study raises questions about previous associations between professional car driving...
A new study suggests therapeutic climbing may trump a standard exercise regime in treating lower...
The UK's treating practitioners say that work is beneficial, but how do they actually behave...
A European study of an integrated care program for workers with long term back problems shows a...
This study looks at the cost-effectiveness AND health effectiveness of lumbar supports for home...
Identify high-risk patients to pip long term back problems at the proverbial post
The US demonstrates how overtreating back pain causes more pain.
A review of the effectiveness of non-surgical treatments for chronic low back pain.
There is debate over how to classify sciatica, and how common it is.
What do people with different kinds of back pain believe about pain and how do these beliefs...
Physiotherapy for acute back pain is good in the short term, but education and movement bring...
A look at the workplace factors associated with repeat visits to back pain clinics
This study investigates the link between osteoarthritis in the facet joints of the spine and the...
Can workplace back safety education programs reduce the risk of back injuries and complications?
While some doctors follow best practice guidelines for lower back pain, many get it wrong...
Researchers examine the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating chronic low back pain.
This study identified a range of factors that influence when workers with neck and low-back...
Treatment with opioids delays return to work and prolongs symptoms
How effective is individual patient education for people with low back pain?
How do different country's disability benefits and policies for occupational low back pain...
Knowing what psychosocial factors affect recovery from low back pain can help target employee...
A step-by-step guide for best practice diagnosis of back pain
A person's beliefs about back problems influence how they engage with treatment, so providing...
Pessimistic beliefs about back pain can prolong suffering and prevent proper treatment
People with chronic low back pain can lose their sense of control over life, a major...
A range of studies explore whether psychosocial factors contribute to the development of back pain
What does the research tell us about physical work and the impact on back pain?
Less invasive treatments should be first port of call for low back pain.
Home exercise is a cheap and effective way to improve back pain
Exercise, behavioural and multimodal programs: What works for RTW and why?
Are steroid injections an effective way to treat acute back pain?
Brief, face-to-face education works best for chronic LBP rehabilitation