The costs to the worker, employer and society associated with work-related neck pain are known to be considerable and are escalating. The Prevalence and Associated Factors of Neck Pain among Ministry of As intervention effects were unique to the subpopulation studied, this represents an important strength of the review. And according to huff post, 16 million adults suffer from persistent back pain. A single trial (n = 33) of moderate-quality evidence (downgraded for imprecision) compared group-based neck/shoulder strengthening exercises with individualized physical therapy and found no differences between the interventions in the reduction of neck pain intensity in office workers who were symptomatic (SMD = 0.04; 95% CI = 0.76 to 0.84).46 In this trial, the intervention period was short (56 weeks), but the strengthening group had high participation at 86%.46. , Janwantanakul P, Jiamjarasrangsi W. Shahidi , Andersen LL, Jrgensen MB, Sgaard K, Sjgaard G. Knox Dalager Sandsj Background Neck pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders, having an age-standardised prevalence rate of 27.0 per 1000 population in 2019. Higgins The costs to the worker, employer and society associated with work-related neck pain are known to be considerable and are escalating. Summary of background data: According to workers' compensation statistics, neck pain accounts for a small proportion of lost-time claims. Gross Several papers reported data from the same RCT (ie, same study population and trial registration numbers). Neck pain is a prevalent and burdensome condition particularly in office workers compared to other occupations.13 The annual prevalence of neck pain in office workers varies from 42% to 63%,1,4,5 and office workers have the highest incidence of neck disorders among all other occupations, at 17% to 21%.6,7 Approximately 34% to 49% of workers report a new onset of neck pain during a 1-year follow-up.1,2,5,8 The impact of neck pain is significant not just for the individual, but also for industry and society.3 Workers who do not return to work within 1 to 2 months are at high risk of developing disability and may cease work altogether.3 Costs associated with neck pain place a burden on employers, society, and the individual through care-seeking behavior, reduced productivity, and workers compensation claims.3,9,10, Workplace-based interventions are becoming important to reduce the burden of neck pain. Most interventions were for 20 minutes per session, 3 sessions per week, and the intervention periods were at least 10 weeks. Prevalence and occupational associations of neck pain in the British , Andersen LL, Zebis MK, Sjogaard G. Andersen , Kay TM, Paquin J-Pet al. Building the Science of Physical Therapy: Conundrums and a Wicked Problem, First Provider Seen for an Acute Episode of Low Back Pain Influences Subsequent Health Care Utilization, Learning Health Systems Are Well Suited to Define and Deliver the Physical Therapy Value Proposition, News From the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research, June 2023, Coproduction and Usability of a Smartphone App for Falls Reporting in Parkinson Disease, |${\bigoplus \! , Malmivaara A, Uitti J, Rinne M, Palmroos P, Laippala P. Galinsky Methods: Seven English/Portuguese databases were searched for relevant literature. Third, reporting bias might be present, as only studies in the English language were included. Prevalence of scapular dyskinesis in office workers with neck and CM Hoffmann P Statistical heterogeneity was examined using the I2 statistics, with values of 25%, 50%, and 75% indicating low, moderate, and high heterogeneity, respectively.20, For continuous data, standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% CI in pain intensity were calculated with a random-effects model.21 The SMD (95% CI) for pain intensity was calculated by having the mean differences between the intervention and comparator groups divided by the pooled SD. , McNair PJ, Larmer PJet al. One study indicated that 90% of employees . One-year prevalence of neck pain among desk job worker in this study was higher as compared various studies in India. Furthermore, 30% of the RCTs had unclear randomization methodologies. Figure 1 shows the process of study selection, leading to 35 papers meeting the inclusion criteria. B In addition, with the increasing aging population of medium- and low-income countries, the . A , Tuntland H, Holte KAet al. , Clijsen R, Fernandez-de-Las-Penas C, Barbero M. Vanti HC Concealed allocation was performed in a minority of the trials (26%). , Yang X, Kristman Vet al. Two reviewers (X.C., D.J.) Data not reported in published study and provided by author(s) on request. , Bierma-Zeinstra SM, Burdorf A, Stynes SM, de Vet HC, Koes BW. \bigcirc \! T Future studies should also consider reporting both intention-to-treat and per-protocol results based on achieving a minimum participation level. Kennedy JM Seven RCTs (26%) were rated unclear for their randomization methodologies. This review extends previous reviews by doing subgroup analysis of 2 study populationsoffice workers who were symptomatic (ie, with neck pain) and a general population of office workers (ie, with or without neck pain)and by exploring potential sources of heterogeneity, including the influence of participation rates. Most RCTs addressing exercise interventions (67%), education, breaks, and myofeedback interventions (71%) focused on office workers who were symptomatic; whereas only 13% of trials of ergonomic interventions were undertaken in the symptomatic population. It can have an impact on the individual's physical, social, and psychological well-being, contributing to increasing costs to society and businesses. Ergonomic interventions were supported by low-quality evidence. The possible results of the assessment include high, low, or unclear risk of bias. , Andersen C, Zebis MKet al. Risk of bias was assessed by 2 independent reviewers (X.C., D.J.) , Thompson SG, Deeks JJ, Altman DG. Fostervold independently extracted data using predefined data fields, and another author (B.K.C.) Two standardized scales (Neck Disability Index and Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia) allowed assessment of the impact of neck pain on . , Lall R, Hansen Z, Lamb SE. Multivariate analysis revealed that women had an almost two-fold risk compared with men (OR = 1.95, 95% CI 1.22-3.13). MEDLINE, PEDro, CINAHL, and CENTRAL were searched for trials published since inception and before May 31, 2016. Risk factors for neck pain in office workers: a prospective study The low participation in stretching may be related to the higher frequency of exercises expected by the study protocol (daily during break times versus twice per week for endurance exercise). The SMD was used, as it standardizes the results of studies to a uniform scale before they are combined.21 A positive SMD (>0) indicated an effect in favor of the intervention, and a negative SMD (<0) favored the comparator.22 When the CI did not cross 0, effects were deemed statistically significant.22 An SMD of less than 0.5 indicated a small effect, SMDs of 0.5 to 0.8 indicated a medium effect, and an SMD of greater than 0.8 indicated a large effect.22,23, For dichotomous data, relative risk (RR) with corresponding 95% CI were calculated using postintervention neck pain incidence/prevalence values with a random-effects model.21 The intervention was favored when RR was greater than 1, and the comparator was favored when RR was less than 1. , Sgaard K, Hansen EA, Hannerz H, Sjgaard G. Pedersen A participation rate of greater than or equal to 66% was associated with an SMD of medium to large effect sizes (0.741.29) (Fig. T Hush Workplace-based strengthening exercises were effective in reducing neck pain in office workers who were symptomatic, and the effect size was larger when the exercises were targeted to the neck/shoulder. Your comment will be reviewed and published at the journal's discretion. In office workers with neck pain, the average self-reported productivity loss had been reported between 20% and 43% (Hagberg et al., 2002; . Various occupational risk factors have been linked to neck pain. This study aims to assess the prevalence and risk factors of neck pain among office workers at the Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia. Although the original intent of the review (as stated in Prospero) was to include an additional primary outcome (ie, neck disability), and possibly secondary outcome(s), the preliminary literature search revealed inconsistency, and a lack of such studies that met the inclusion criteria of the review. \bigoplus \! 6, 7 Approximately 34% to 49% of workers report a new onset of neck pain during a 1 . The results from this review are relevant for employers and policymakers. Six trials studied the effects of neck/shoulder strengthening exercises in office workers who were symptomatic in comparison to no training.27,32,4749,51 Although the intervention periods varied from 10 to 52 weeks, all trials showed a positive effect in favor of exercise intervention except for a single trial, which had the lowest participation at 39% (SMD = 0.08; 95% CI = 0.33 to 0.17).51 Change from baseline data could not be obtained for this trial (with the lowest participation) and hence was excluded from meta-analysis.51 Meta-analysis of the other 5 trials (n = 605) found moderate-quality evidence (downgraded for inconsistency), and a medium effect of neck/shoulder strengthening exercises in office workers who were symptomatic (SMD = 0.59; 95% CI = 0.29 to 0.89) (I2 = 57%) (Fig. ), and examples of the search terms used included neck pain AND workplace AND office work (Appendix). Data could not be obtained from some studies for meta-analysis and assessment of risk of bias. R Andersen Background: Persisting neck pain is common in society. Type: Group strengthening at workplace, 30 min, 3 times/wk Description: Strengthening exercises consisted of 4 arm exercises (shoulder abduction, flexion, and extension and modified push-ups), Individual physical therapy (1 h, twice/wk), 86% of planned training sessions attended, Combined neck/shoulder endurance training and stretching vs no intervention, Job: 567 office workers Condition: Lower than normal neck flexion range (<54.1, Type: Stretching twice/workday and neck muscle endurance training twice/wk at home Description: Stretching exercises for upper trapezius, levator scapulae, pectoralis, and rectus capitis posterior muscles were performed for 30 s each; endurance training for long muscles (ie, longus capitis, longus colli, and rectus capitis anterior and lateralis) was performed 10 times; exercises were prompted by a text message Provider: Not reported Mode: Individually at work (endurance training) and at home (stretching) Duration: 52 wk, Pain incidence: pain for >24 h in last month; pain intensity: >30 mm on 0- to 100-mm VAS, Stretching: 30% of planned training sessions attended Endurance training: 57% of planned training sessions attended, Neck/shoulder stretching exercise vs no stretching, Type: Stretching during work breaks Description: Stretches were targeted at the neck, shoulders, back, and upper body and required no more than 2 min to perform Provider: Principal investigator Mode: Individually Duration: 8 wk, Feeling State Questionnaire on 15 scale, Stretching not more effective than no stretching (, Breaks in which participants stretched/total no. In the event where authors could not be contacted for information or where information is unavailable, the criterion was scored as unclear.19 In the category of participation in an intervention, the percentage of participation was calculated for each study intervention group where available. \bigoplus \! Standardized mean differences (SMDs) calculated from change from baseline values for individual studies and pooled analysis based on random-effects model (in order of increasing SMD and where weight = weighted average21). Although improvement of neck and low back symptoms can occur, 22,28 the 1-year recurrence rate of neck and low back pain has been shown to range from 23% to 69% . However, these reviews examined all occupational categories, including office workers.3,11,12 In contrast, other reviews have studied solely office workers, but not performed meta-analysis, nor considered the potential influence of individual factors, such as neck pain presence at baseline, or intervention characteristics, including participation in an intervention.1315 Current reviews have also not distinguished between studies investigating workers with and without neck symptoms (general population of office workers), and those with symptoms (office workers who are symptomatic). \bigoplus }$|, |${\bigoplus \! Bernaards Future RCTs of ergonomic interventions targeted at office workers who are symptomatic are required. In office workers reporting pain the prevalence of neck pain was 56.1% (95 CI 52.0-60.1). Address all correspondence to Ms Chen at: Search for other works by this author on: School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, Department of Sport Science and Clinical Biomechanics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Queensland, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, and Department of Physiotherapy, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Queensland Health, Brisbane St. Lucia, Queensland. The authors also thank Dr Susan E. Peters for reviewing our methodology and Julie Hansen (University of Queensland librarian) for reviewing our search strategy. , Bredahl TG, Pedersen MT, Boyle E, Andersen LL, Sjgaard G. Andersen MT , Curran-Everett D, Maluf KS. There was moderate-quality evidence that neck/shoulder strengthening exercises and general fitness training were effective in reducing neck pain in office workers who were symptomatic, although the effect size was larger for strengthening exercises. Prevalence of scapular dyskinesis in office workers with neck and At present, there is no consolidated evidence for workplace-based interventions for the prevention and reduction of neck pain in office workers. Andersen Sihawong Coombes, D. Jun, S. OLeary, G. Sjgaard, Data analysis: X. Chen, B.K. Two of these trials found 6 weeks or 52 weeks of arm support ineffective.41,43 The third 52-week trial found a beneficial effect of arm support; however, there was no assessor blinding and the attrition rate was 31%.56 The 3 trials also had large differences in intervention lengths (6 versus 52 weeks).41,43,56. In addition to the a priori defined groups of general population of office workers and office workers who were symptomatic, we defined a third subgroup, at risk office workers, who are at risk of neck pain, which was relevant for only 1 trial.5. CM MT , Janwantanakul P, Sitthipornvorakul E, Pensri P. Moher Conlon MG CH Generally, this review found the ergonomic trials were of lower quality and smaller sample size than the ergonomic interventions, and hence more ergonomic RCTs are required to form firmer conclusions. The Prevalence, Risk Factors and Consequences of Neck Pain in Office 3A). Work with arms above the shoulders for >1 hours/day was associated with a significant excess of symptoms [PR 1.3-1.7 (women) and 1.2-1.4 (men)], but no associations existed for typing, lifting, vibratory tool use, or professional driving. First, data could not be obtained from some authors for a more comprehensive analysis. Prevalence of Neck Pain in Soldiers as a Result of Mild - PubMed The results of the study indicated a positive trend towards the proposed hypothesis that . In addition, a large amount of research on pain was encountered during the preliminary literature search, warranting the review to focus on the neck pain outcome only. The 3 main categories were then combined using a Boolean AND operator. Please check for further notifications by email. Neck pain: global epidemiology, trends and risk factors The 12 month prevalences of neck pain in office workers was 45.5%. Discussion. Following is an example of the search strategy applied in one of the electronic databases used in this review. However, given that approximately half of office workers may suffer from neck pain within a 12-month period,1,2,5,8 it could be argued that interventions should be offered to all office workers irrespective of their neck pain status. Neck and low back pain are common in sedentary office workers. \bigoplus \! (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, and the participants completed an online questionnaire based on the Standardized Nordic questionnaire and Quality of Life Scale Brief Version to evaluate their . Neck pain is a prevalent and burdensome condition particularly in office workers compared to other occupations. The authors completed the ICJME Form for Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest and reported no conflicts of interest. RCT = randomized controlled trial. CR It has been reported that the prevalence of neck pain in office workers is much higher than in the general population. Hagberg , Bosmans JE, Hildebrandt VH, van Tulder MW, Heymans MW. This study aimed to investigate the presence of scapular dyskinesis (SD) in office workers with neck and scapular complaints. Xiaoqi Chen and others, Workplace-Based Interventions for Neck Pain in Office Workers: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, Physical Therapy, Volume 98, Issue 1, January 2018, Pages 4062, https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/pzx101. Vasseljen R A cluster randomized controlled trial, Effect of physical exercise interventions on musculoskeletal pain in all body regions among office workers: a one-year randomized controlled trial, A randomized controlled intervention trial to relieve and prevent neck/shoulder pain, One-year randomized controlled trial with different physical-activity programs to reduce musculoskeletal symptoms in the neck and shoulders among office workers, The effect of worksite physical activity intervention on physical capacity, health, and productivity: a 1-year randomized controlled trial, A comprehensive work injury prevention program with clerical and office workers: phase II. Furlan We additionally recommend future studies to adopt transparency with the reporting of adverse effects. JPT Forest plot for improvement in pain incidence with an alternative mouse intervention versus a conventional mouse in a general population of office workers (with or without neck pain) on the basis of a pooled analysis of 2 trials (in order of increasing relative risk [RR] and where weight = weighted average21). Interventions performed partially at the worksite (eg, outpatient clinic combined with workplace interventions), or those performed in combination with manual therapy and physical therapy adjuncts, such as traction, acupuncture, neck collars, or nonportable electrotherapy, were excluded. Sihawong H 3C). AP Introduction: Many of the injury mechanisms that cause mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) also create forces commonly associated with whiplash, resulting in cervical pain injury. , Sandsjo L, Vollenbroek-Hutten MMR, Larsman P, Kadefors R, Hermans HJ. Recent reviews conducted on workplace-based interventions found very low to low quality, or mixed evidence for the beneficial effects of exercise and ergonomic interventions on neck pain severity. Ninety-two percent of the exercise RCTs reported participation; in comparison, the rates were 43% for the other interventions (ie, breaks, CBT, education, and myofeedback) and 25% for the ergonomic interventions. , Paasikivi J, Svedenkrans M. van Tulder It furthers the University's objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education by publishing worldwide, This PDF is available to Subscribers Only. Neck pain is a major cause of morbidity and disability in everyday life and at work in many countries. , Andersen LL, Gram Bet al. Characteristics of office workers who benefit most from inte : PAIN Pedersen A single 52-week trial (n = 150) found a downward-angled computer monitor more effective compared to an upward-angled monitor in reducing neck pain (P = .04), but this was low-quality evidence (downgraded for imprecision).57, Eight trials studied the effects of other workplace-based interventions, including education,36,42 CBT,44 work breaks,52,58,59 and myofeedback.38,60 Two trials (n = 545) of moderate-quality evidence (downgraded for imprecision) supported the ineffectiveness of 4 to 26 weeks of group education versus no intervention on reducing neck pain intensity in office workers who were symptomatic (P>.05).36,42 There was low-quality evidence (downgraded for risk of bias and imprecision) based on a single trial (n = 79) for the ineffectiveness of 10 weeks of CBT on reducing neck pain intensity in a general population of office workers (P>.05).44 Two trials (n = 191) of very low-quality evidence (downgraded for risk of bias and imprecision) found that 8 weeks of supplementary work breaks were effective in reducing neck pain intensity in a general population of office workers52,58 (P<.05), but another trial (n = 268), which was of moderate quality (downgraded for imprecision), failed to find its effectiveness in office workers who were symptomatic.59 Two trials (n = 144) of moderate quality (downgraded for risk of bias) found myofeedback (muscle biofeedback) intervention ineffective in reducing neck pain intensity in office workers who were symptomatic (P>.05), but the intervention periods were only 4 weeks in both trials.38,60. L DM 1 = downgraded by 1 level, 2 = downgraded by 2 levels, RR = relative risk, SMD = standardized mean difference. The epidemiology of neck pain - PubMed Dyrssen This is due to the increasing responsibility of companies toward employee health, and the potential cost-savings and productivity gains associated with a healthy workforce.3 Workplace-based interventions are broadly grouped into those that target the workers health and/or knowledge (eg, exercise, education), or those that target the job task and environment (eg, ergonomics). For the 5 trials subjected to a meta-analysis, there was an observed trend toward higher SMD effect size with higher participation (45%87%). More research on neck pain prevention is warranted. Background Persisting neck pain is common in society. T Inconsistencies in definitions have been acknowledged in previous studies to affect study outcomes,66,67 hence future research with specific case definitions and subgrouping of the study population may yield more consistent and stronger clinical recommendations. , Kjaer M, Sgaard K, Hansen L, Kryger AI, Sjgaard G. Kietrys , Saervoll CA, Mortensen OS, Poulsen OM, Hannerz H, Zebis MK. LL Of the exercise trials that reported participation, 73% scored low risk of bias. A comprehensive work injury prevention program with clerical and office workers: phase I. , Bisset L, Vicenzino B. Balshem M Of the exercise trials, 2 presented data for office workers who were symptomatic separately as a subgroup,27,28,3033 and 1 trial studied the at risk office workers, defined as workers without neck pain (at baseline), but lower than normal neck flexion range and neck flexor muscle endurance.5, Four exercise RCTs reported the presence of musculoskeletal symptoms following strength training, but there were no lasting effects or major complications.27,32,47,49. Skoglund The lead author of this review (X.C.) , Jorgensen MB, Blangsted AK, Pedersen MT, Hansen EA, Sjogaard G. Blangsted , Ariens GA, Knol DL, Hildebrandt VH. Meta-analysis of two 52-week trials (of moderate-quality evidence, downgraded for imprecision) (n = 364) suggested the alternative mouse (eg, vertical handle/trackball) may be important in reducing neck pain incidence, as the results neared significance (RR = 1.60; 95% CI = 0.99 to 2.60) (I2 = 0%) (P = .06) (Fig. Janwantanakul 1- 3 The annual prevalence of neck pain in office workers varies from 42% to 63%, 1, 4, 5 and office workers have the highest incidence of neck disorders among all other occupations, at 17% to 21%. Mahmud Office Ergonomics and Neck Pain - Physiopedia We also recommend subgroup analyses of symptomatic, asymptomatic, and possibly at risk groups to be performed. 2023 Mar;29(1):50-55. doi: 10.1080/10803548.2021.2018855. 1. \bigcirc \! M (neck pain* or cervicalgia or cervicodynia or trapezius myalgia or complaints of the arm neck shoulder or tension neck syndrome or tension neck syndromes) AND (workplace intervention or workplace interventions or workplace* or worksite* or work environment or company* or office* or organization* or organisation* or on-site) AND (office work* or visual display operator* or visual display unit* or visual display terminal* or computer* or employ*) NOT surger*, Oxford University Press is a department of the University of Oxford. Introduction. Finally, research on primary neck pain prevention was limited and more studies in this area are warranted. Workplace-Based Interventions for Neck Pain in Office Workers The electronic databases including MEDLINE (via PubMed), PEDro, CINHAL, and CENTRAL (via Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) were used to search for literature from their inception to May 31, 2016. Also, all RCTs did not meet the outcome assessor blinding criteria, as the primary outcome (pain) was self-reported.19 Overall, 11 RCTs (41%) were rated unclear for participation, and 5 trials (19%) were rated high risk of bias.