The Effect of Head Loading on Cervical Spine in Manual Laborers

Abstract

To determine the effect of axial loading on the cervical spine when weights are carried on the head. Overview of Literature: Traditionally, carrying weights on the head has been a common practice in developing countries. The laborers working in agriculture, construction, and other industries, as well as porters at railway platforms, are required to lift heavy weights. Since controversy exists regarding carrying weights on the head, we decided to evaluate its effect on the cervical spine. Methods: The study comprised 62 subjects. Of this number, 32 subjects (group A) were unskilled laborers from the construction industry; the other 30 subjects (group B) were in the control group and had never previously carried heavy weights on their heads. Cervical spine radiographs were taken for all the 62 subjects. Subjects in group A were asked to carry a load (approximately 35 kg) on their heads and walk for about 65 m, with their cervical spine radiographs taken afterward. Results: The mean ages of patients in groups A and B were 27.17 and 25.75 years, respectively. The mean cervical lordosis observed in group A (18.96°) was dramatically less compared with group B (25.40°), showing a further decrease in head loading (3.35°). Five subjects had a reversal of lordosis (−5.61°). A statistically significant reduction in disc height and listhesis was observed when the load was carried on the head with a further decrease after walking with the load. Accelerated degenerative changes, particularly affecting the upper cervical spine, were observed in head loaders. Conclusions: Carrying a load on the head leads to accelerated degenerative changes, which involve the upper cervical spine more than the lower cervical spine and predisposes it to injury at a lower threshold. Thus, alternative methods of carrying loads should be proposed.

Correlation of varying heights with cervical spondylosis.

“…These findings were consistent with the current research effort. 13 The loss of lordotic curve and reduction in disc height in loaders, which ultimately resulted in adverse changes in the cervical spine, was implicated for the findings. The current study's findings revealed a strong positive link between the occurrence of cervical spondylosis and receding stature, with cases being more commonly between (150 and 169 cm) tall.…”

Characterization of Axial Forces to the Head during Kipping Handstand Push-ups

“…5 The only other possibly relevant data come from studies of people who carried loads on their heads for employment. [6][7][8][9] Not surprisingly, these studies show that chronic load bearing on the head leads to premature cervical spinal degeneration, and that it seems independent of the weight carried (10-100 Kg). 7 2 There are more than 5 million CrossFit participants worldwide, thus safety information could potentially affect a large population.…”

Letter to the Editor: The Effect of Head Loading on Cervical Spine in Manual Laborers

“…Dear Editor, We read with great interest, article by Dave et al [1] titled "The effect of head loading on cervical spine in manual laborers. "…”

“…Badve et al [3] on a similar pattern performed a cross-sectional study on railway porters and reported a significant increase in the prevalence of OC1C2 osteoarthritis. While the research by Dave et al [1] analyses the acute plain radiographic implications to head loading on the cervical spine, the article by Badve et al [3] investigates a more delayed response based on cross-sectional imaging. Other authors have also reported similar findings [2,[4][5][6].…”