The Ergonomic Association between Shoulder, Neck/Head Disorders and Sedentary Activity: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background. Work-associated upper limb and neck disorders are common occupational disorders throughout the world. These disorders are usually observed more in workers who spend a long time sitting, referred to as sedentary activity (SA). The immediate and distorted risk of sedentary-related problems was considered high in Europe, Australia, and the United States. Even though mediation is convenient, it is likely to reduce office workers’ risks of developing cervical and upper body pain due to sedentary work. This systematic review addresses risk factors and evaluates the relationship between SA and upper body disorders in office workers (i.e., shoulder and neck/head). Methods. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for articles published between January 2010 and August 2021 in the English language. The three keywords “sedentary,” “upper body elements,” and “work” (and their derivatives) were searched to identify studies and carry out this systematic review. The articles were searched so that all three keywords or at least a derivation of each keyword should appear. Findings. Of the 40 articles that met the enclosure criteria, 32 studies examined the association of SA and upper body elements during both office and computer work. However, three articles were evaluated in the sit-stand work environment, and in the remaining five studies, one was evaluated during teaching, two during hospital work, and two during mixed working conditions. Conclusions. Research related to SA focuses mainly on extended risk factors, but there was no focus on other aspects, such as muscle and tendon contractions. As there is a convincing connection between SA and the upper body, our close examination identifies the need to institutionalize a system for collecting, analyzing, and describing the impact and short-term effects of SA on the upper body. Additionally, some suggestions were made to minimize the risk in a sedentary working environment.

Occupational Safety and Health Staging Framework for Decent Work

“…Sedentary jobs are also associated with more musculoskeletal complaints and disorders, e.g., in the neck and shoulder, and upper and lower back, which are associated with increased sick leave and lower work disability [ 65 , 66 , 67 , 68 ]. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, increased teleworking, usually from home, has raised further concerns in relation to the suitability of equipment and work stations that are associated with ergonomic risks and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) [ 69 ].…”

Evaluating the Accuracy of Upper Limb Movement in the Sagittal Plane among Computer Users during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…During the pandemic, among healthcare professionals using computers at work, the most common pathology of the musculoskeletal system was pain in the cervical spine and/or shoulder associated with incorrect ergonomics of the workplace and working time (long working hours, prolonged use of the computer, sedentary work, lack of changes in posture during work) [7,8]. At the same time, the duration of pain depended to a large extent on the age of employees and seniority [9]. Neck and shoulder pain was a recurring disorder as 60-80% of employees experienced another episode a year after the initial episode [6].…”

Effectiveness of Tuina Therapy Combined With Yijinjing Exercise in the Treatment of Nonspecific Chronic Neck Pain

“… 1 Compared with low back pain, neck pain has not received enough attention. 2 No specific pathology could explain the cause of neck pain (eg, nerve root compression). Patients with symptoms that persist for more than 3 months can be diagnosed as having nonspecific chronic neck pain (NCNP).…”

“…The mean lifetime prevalence of neck pain is 48.5% (range, 14.2%-71%), the third highest in the US after diabetes and heart disease . Compared with low back pain, neck pain has not received enough attention . No specific pathology could explain the cause of neck pain (eg, nerve root compression).…”