Reduction of sick leave for lumbar back and posterior pelvic pain in pregnancy.

STUDY DESIGN In this prospective, consecutive, controlled cohort study, the authors analyzed the impact of a differentiated, individual-based treatment program on sick leave during pregnancy for women experiencing lumbar back or posterior pelvic pain during pregnancy. OBJECTIVE To identify patients with pain early in pregnancy and, by means of individual information and differentiated physiotherapy, reduce sick leave during pregnancy. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Sick leave for back pain during pregnancy is common, and treatment programs have been aimed at reducing pain, for that reason. In Sweden, the average sick leave due to back pain during pregnancy is 7 weeks. METHODS All pregnant women who attended a specific antenatal clinic and experienced lumbar back or posterior pelvic pain were included in an intervention group, and results were compared with women in a control group from another antenatal clinic. RESULTS The intervention group comprised 54 women, compared with 81 women in the control group. Thirty-three women were on sick leave for an average of 30 days in the intervention group versus 45 women for an average of 54 days in the control group (P < 0.001). The reduction in sick leave reduced insurance costs by approximately $53,000 U.S. CONCLUSIONS Sick leave for lumbar back and posterior pelvic pain in the intervention group was significantly reduced with the program, and the program was cost effective.