Are women employed outside the home more likely to have back pain compared to homemakers?

A recent study from Canada looked at the effect of employment on function after a bout of low back pain. They found no differences in pain level or function one month up to two years later. It's possible that other factors are involved.

Researchers suggest we look more closely at social support, money earned, and self-esteem as factors in this area.

Clermont E. Dionne, PhD, and Marise Chénard, BSc. Back-Related Functional Limitations Among Full-Time Homemakers: A Comparison with Women Employed Full-Time Outside the Home. In Spine. June 15, 2004. Vol. 29. No. 12. Pp. 1375-1383.