Epidemiology of work related neck and upper limb problems: Psychosocial and personal risk factors (Part I) and effective interventions from a bio behavioural perspective (Part II)

Abstract

Work related neck and upper limb symptoms have a multi-factorial origin. Possible risk factors are of a physical, psychosocial or personal origin. These factors can reinforce each other and their influence can also be mediated by cultural or societal factors. Initially, most research on neck and upper limb symptoms focused on work-related physical exposure. Nowadays, psychosocial work characteristics are recognized as important risk factors. Various models have been developed to offer frameworks for possible pathways, but their empirical support is still not conclusive. In part I of this paper an overview is presented of the results of recent epidemiological studies on work related psychosocial and personal risk factors for neck and upper limb symptoms. In addition, the interplay between these factors and the possible intermediate role of an individuals work style in this process is explored. In contrast to previous reviews, it is now possible to base the conclusions on the effect of work related psychosocial factors on neck and upper limb symptoms on quite a few longitudinal studies. These studies show that high work demands or little control at work are often related to these symptoms. However, this relationship is neither very strong nor very specific. Perceived stress is studied in not as many studies but more consistently related to neck and upper limb symptoms. This also applies to general distress or other pain (co-morbidity). Job dissatisfaction does not contribute to neck and upper limb symptoms. Too little research on personal characteristics is available to draw any conclusions. It is plausible that behavioural aspects, such as work style, are of importance in the etiology of work related upper limb symptoms. However, studies concerning these factors are promising but too scarce to draw conclusions. Future studies should address these behavioural aspects. In part II, the recent studies on the effectiveness of preventive measures for work related neck and upper limb problems are discussed. Few randomised or non randomised controlled trials have been carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of individual or organisational interventions to improve work related psychosocial factors. Very few have reported on the preventive effect for work related neck and upper limb symptoms. Therefore, there is a great need for additional high quality trials before any conclusions on effectiveness of bio-behavioural interventions for reduction of neck and upper limb problems and return to work after these symptoms can be made. From the low back pain intervention research can be learned that interventions should best be targeted to both the worker and the organisation and that interventions will only be successful when all stakeholders are involved.

Individual, physical and psychological risk factors for neck pain in Australian office workers: a 1-year longitudinal study

“…A systematic review of prospective studies [26] reported a clear link between stress, distress or anxiety and back or neck pain, but not specifically in office workers. Job stress specifically has been consistently associated with work-related upper limb and neck symptoms [4]. We found that office workers with stress levels above 5 on the DASS21 subscale may have a 1.6-fold higher risk of developing neck pain, although the broad 95% CI (0.66-4.07) must be noted.…”

“…While it is commonly accepted that distress is a common consequence of painful musculoskeletal conditions, prospective studies of general psychological stress (as distinct from job strain) as a risk factor for neck pain in office workers are limited. A recent review reported that stress has been consistently associated with work-related neck and upper extremity symptoms in a general working population, but the cross-sectional design of these studies precludes the drawing of conclusions regarding causation [4]. A systematic review of prospective studies [26] reported a clear link between stress, distress or anxiety and back or neck pain, but not specifically in office workers.…”

“…Prevalence of neck pain is even higher in office workers than in the general community, reaching levels as high as 50 to 60% [2,6,8,19]. Neck pain can impact on the ability to perform normal daily activities, and the resultant treatment costs and work loss contribute to a substantial economic burden for both the individual and society [1,4,5]. Data about the incidence of neck pain in office workers are lacking, as previous studies have reported on estimates of prevalence.…”

“…repetitive work, exposure level) [19,21,38] and psychosocial factors (e.g. stress, high job demands, low decision latitude) [4,6,17,21,38]. However, methodological considerations limit interpretation of existing studies either because of high loss to follow-up (22% [21] to 48% [38]) in longitudinal studies, which can introduce significant bias into the study findings, or because a cross-sectional design was used [6,8,11,17,19], where inferences of cause-and-effect cannot be made.…”

The importance of work organization on workload and musculoskeletal health – Grocery store work as a model

“…A large number of recent studies show that work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) are still highly prevalent, more so in certain occupational settings (Buckle and Devereux, 2002;Bongers et al, 2006;Nordander et al, 2009;Farioli et al, 2014). There is an obvious need for preventive action (Hagberg et al, 2012).…”