Heavy physical work and low back pain: the reality in urban cleaning

Abstract

Low back pain (LBP) is a major public health issue. There is lack of research on this disorder affecting urban cleaning workers. A cross-sectional study was conducted to describe the prevalence of LBP, occupational and extra-occupational characteristics, as well as associated factors in these workers. A census was performed with 624 workers in Salvador, Brazil, using a questionnaire administered by an interviewer in 2010. Cases of LBP were defined by reported symptoms of pain in the previous 12 months, lasting more than a week or with monthly minimum frequency, which led to restrictions at work or to seeking medical attention, or in cases when respondents had a severity score ≥ 3 on a numerical scale from 0 to 5. Physical demands at work were measured on a numerical 6-point scale with 14 variables. Psychosocial demands were measured using the Job Content Questionnaire. Sociodemographic factors, lifestyle habits and domestic work were evaluated. Multiple logistic regression (LR) was used to identify factors associated with LBP, for which the prevalence was 37.0%. Among them, 62.8% of workers felt pain in the last 7 days. LBP was associated with longer working hours, flexion and trunk rotation, psychosocial demands, working directly in collection and low schooling. Dynamic work (walking, running) served as a protective factor. It was concluded that many workers develop their activity at the presence of pain. The results emphasize the need for preventive measures through multifactorial approach encompassing adaptations in physical environment and changes in work organization.

Relationship between daily physical activity level and low back pain in young, female desk-job workers

“…Furthermore, Burdorf et al [26] have found that sedentary workers who have to work in non-neutral positions are more at risk of LBP. Pataro and Fernandes (2014) state that LBP was associated with longer working hours, flexion and trunk rotation. Dynamic activity such as walking or running served as a protective factor [27].…”

“…Pataro and Fernandes (2014) state that LBP was associated with longer working hours, flexion and trunk rotation. Dynamic activity such as walking or running served as a protective factor [27]. Moreover, Caban et al (2014) found that the percentage of workers with ankle and knee pain was significantly higher among workers who join regular moderate and vigorous PA programs than among those who do not attend such programs [28].…”

Distúrbios osteomusculares autorreferidos entre os trabalhadores da limpeza urbana

“…Quanto a região do corpo mais acometida, a lombar foi a mais ressaltada entre o grupo pesquisado, contudo, a região do pescoço e do dorso também apresentaram destaque. Dados compatíveis foram encontrados nos estudos de Mederiros et al (2014) e Pataro;Fernandes (2014).…”

“…Estas lesões correspondem a "uma síndrome que vem provocando sequelas irreversíveis aos trabalhadores que podem implicar invalidez permanente. A dor e a fragilidade nos membros ou na coluna podem se tornar crônicas e impossibilitar até mesmo a realização das tarefas mais simples e banais do cotidiano" (MORAES;BASTOS, 2013, p. 3 (CARDOSO et al, 2014;DARTORA;SANTOS, 2014;HANSELL et al, 2014;NASCIMENTO et al, 2014;SILVA, 2015;PATARO;FERNANDES, 2014;PINHO;NEVES, 2010;PORTA et al, 2009;SOUSA, V. et al, 2015;VELLOSO;GUIMARÃES, 2013). "Cabe ressaltar que os riscos mencionados não agem sobre o trabalhador de forma isolada.…”

“…Pesquisadores apontam a significativa prevalência de DORT's entre os garis (CARDOSO et al, 2014;DARTORA;SANTOS, 2014;KUIJER;SLUITER;FRINGS-DRESEN, 2010;NAVA, 2012;PATARO;FERNANDES, 2014;PEREIRA, 2011; BALLESTEROS; ARRANGO; URREGO, 2008). Tais agravos decorrem da intensificação da jornada de trabalho, dos movimentos repetitivos, de esforços físicos excessivos, posturas inapropriadas, trabalho muscular estático por várias horas diárias, pressão mecânica sobre segmentos corpóreos, impactos e vibrações (ASSUNÇÃO; VILELA, 2009;PURIENE et al, 2008;VELLOSO;GUIMARÃES, 2013).…”