Prognosis and duration of disabling effects
Mechanical Back Pain
The prognosis for complete recovery in mechanical back pain is excellent. By the end of 6 weeks, 90% of both new and recurrent episodes of mechanical back pain are symptom free, with the majority of these resolving fully in 1-2 weeks. A further 5% recover within 12 weeks.
The remaining 5% develop persistent pain leading to chronic low back pain. The development of chronic low back pain however does not equate with disability. As a general rule, individuals with chronic (longstanding and persistent) back pain have minimal care needs or mobility restrictions.
In a small percentage of cases, psychological and psychosocial factors lead to the development of a disabled lifestyle.
Most people with a herniated cervical disc (about 80-90%) improve significantly with conservative treatment. Only about 10% require surgical treatment, and most people make a full recovery and return to work within a month or two. A small minority of those receiving surgery do go on to have chronic symptoms such as persistent pain and upper extremity weakness and numbness.
MBP is most unlikely to cause any significant long-term care or mobility needs. People with this type of back problem almost always learn methods and strategies in order to adapt and overcome their difficulties (e.g. rising from bed, stooping, dressing and preparing a main meal). They will actively refuse help, which is known to worsen their pain (e.g. being pulled up from sitting or from lying in bed, or being turned over in bed).
Specific Back Pain
Prognosis and duration of disabling effects will vary according to the condition. The outlook for the majority of individuals with specific back pain is good with fifty percent (50%) of cases recovering fully within six weeks.
The remainder will develop longer lasting back pain, and may also have leg pain and/or other symptoms on one side. These symptoms may become longstanding and persistent (chronic), but this does not equate with disability.
Many individuals with a prolapsed disc, even when nerve root entrapment is present, will normally have mild disability. The majority of individuals would normally be self-caring and should be encouraged to participate in as active a lifestyle as possible.
The majority will have minimal or mild care needs or mobility restrictions.
| Impairment | Date of Onset | Award Period | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Ankylosing Spondylitis |
Less than 5 years More than 5 years |
3 year award Indefinite award |
|
|
Spondylolisthesis |
Less than 5 years More than 5 years |
5 year award Indefinite award |
|
|
Spondylosis |
Less than 5 years More than 5 years |
5 year award Indefinite award |
|
|
Spinal stenosis |
Less than 5 years More than 5 years |
5 year award Indefinite award |
|
| Lumbar disc lesion | N/A | 2 year award | |
| Structural abnormalities of the spine e.g.
Kyphosis |
N/A |
Indefinite award |
|
|
Scoliosis |
N/A |
Indefinite award |
|
|
Other specific back pain / type not Known e.g.: |
|||
|
Cauda Equina |
Less than 1 year More than 1 year |
1year award Indefinite award |
|
|
Dislocation |
Less than 1 year More than 1 year |
1 year award Indefinite award |
|
|
Intervertebral disc disorders e.g. Prolapsed Intervertebral Disc (PID) Prolapsed Cervical Disc |
N/A |
2 year award |
|
|
Lordosis |
N/A |
Indefinite award |
|
|
Spinal osteochondrosis |
Less than 5 years More than 5 years |
5 year award Indefinite award |
|
|
Sprain or strain of spine / pelvis (as a result of major trauma e.g. RTA or a fall from height etc) |
Less than 1 year More than 1 year |
1year award Indefinite award |
|
|
Vascular and nerve compression |
Less than 5 years More than 5 years |
5 year award Indefinite award |
|
|
Vertebral subluxation |
Less than 5 years More than 5 years |
5 year award Indefinite award |
|
|
Specific back pain and surgery |
Award Period |
||
|
In all cases where surgery is undertaken and entitlement is appropriate |
Award for 1 year |
||
All information must be taken into account when considering the duration of disabling effects and the duration of disabling effects must be based on the particular circumstances of the individual claimant.
Amended October 2012
