Prevalence Rate of Musculoskeletal Discomforts Based on Severity Level Among Office Workers

Abstract

Summary There are a variety of body aches that fall under the umbrella term of Musculoskeletal Discomforts (MSDs). These can be distinguished based on the level of pain suffered by the patient, ranging from mild and sporadic to serious, constant and fatal. It has been suggested that a link exists between MSDs and risk factors involving one’s occupational conditions and physicality. Examining the prevalence rate of musculoskeletal discomforts based on the severity among office workers was the main objective of this study. In order to achieve this objective, we had, in February 2015, selected from a population of 20 000 Malaysian office workers, 753 subjects within the age range of 20-50 years who have had a minimum of a year’s working experience. For this study, a form of structured questionnaire, known as the Cornell questionnaire, has been evaluated and put to use. Under the watch of the researchers, the subjects were instructed to complete the questionnaire in the morning before they begin their respective jobs. Based on their responses, the Cornell questionnaire has revealed that at least one case of severe pain in the neck, shoulder or lower back, respectively, is suffered by 69.7% of the subjects. In the case of neck-related aches, 15% low pain, whereas 51% involved mild pain and 33.9% were cases of severe pain. That being said, 19.3% low pain in the lower back, while 50.7% suffered from mild pain and 30% had severe pain in the same region. Percentages of 34.9% for high severity, 45.4% for mild severity and 19.7% for low severity were simultaneously reported in the shoulder section. In a nutshell, the study has revealed that, in comparison with body aches in the arms, knees, upper back, forearms, wrists, hands, hips and thighs, the subjects are more vulnerable to body aches in the neck, shoulders and lower back.

Yoga as a Treatment for Musculoskeletal Discomforts: A Hypothesis

“…(17) This hypothesis is mostly focused on treatment of MSD. So, as the highest rate of MSD is related to lower back, neck and shoulder, (7) this hypothesis has focused on these areas, and it is expected that, after 8-10 weeks, Yoga training exercises can decrease the severity of pain among subjects. It is expected that, the first week is for adaptation and the main improvement will start from second week.…”

“…(6) Unfortunately for healthcare professionals, a large percentage of those who suffer from lower back, neck and shoulder pain fall into this category. (7) The kinds of treatment used for such nonspecific issues tend to be inconsistent, ranging from psychosocial care and pharmacotherapy to radiotherapy and surgery, and the results are often mixed. (8) Some evidence suggests the influence of psychosocial factors in the development of lower back, neck and shoulder pain, in addition to such organic causes as spinal instability resulting from poor ligament function and deficits in neuromuscular coordination.…”

Joint Functional Screening (JFS): Movement for Optimal Health and Body Function: Perspective Clinical Examination

“…With increased age, neuromuscular dysfunction could occur due to many other conditions. A few to mention, are like, overweight, low in physical activities, bad posture of sitting, standing and sleeping as well [4]. The ankle, knee, hip and low back pain is a common symptom of an imbalance body alignment; these joints are designed to undergo repeated motion and facilitate fluid movement.…”

Office Exercise Training to Reduce and Prevent the Occurrence of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Office Workers: A Hypothesis

“…The demands of these jobs include the ability to sit in a chair at a desk (neither of which are standardised or can be adjusted) for about 8-9 hours. The workforce at these jobs often does not engage in adequate physical exercise (2). Pain and discomfort caused by musculoskeletal disorders, notably those involving the neck, shoulders, and lower back, are common among office workers due to the amount of time spent sitting in the same position while working.…”