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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

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01-04-2018 | Original Article

Risk factors for episodic neck pain in workers: a 5-year prospective study of a general working population

Authors: Audrey Petit, Julie Bodin, Angélique Delarue, Alexis D’Escatha, Natacha Fouquet, Yves Roquelaure

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 3/2018

Abstract

Purpose

Development of neck pain (NP) in workers has a multifactorial etiology and depends on both individual and workplace factors. The aim of this study was to investigate risk factors for episodic NP in a large diverse sample of active workers.

Methods

A prospective study based on the surveillance program implemented by the French Public Health Agency in the Loire Valley region. Between 2002 and 2005, 3710 workers were included. Between 2007 and 2010, 2332 workers responded to a follow-up questionnaire which assessed: (1) musculoskeletal symptoms (Nordic questionnaire) and (2) individual and work-related risk factors. Associations between episodic NP in 2007 (i.e., free subjects at baseline and who suffered at least 8 days during the preceding 12 months) and individual and work-related risk factors at baseline were studied using logistic regression modeling, stratified by sex.

Results

Among the 1510 workers (914 men, 596 women) still active at follow-up, 10.4% (8.4–12.4) of men and 14.6% (11.8–17.4) of women declared episodic NP. Among men, work pace dependence of guests or permanent hierarchical controls were risk factors of NP [OR = 1.8 (1.1–2.8) and OR = 2.1 (1.3–3.3), respectively]. Among women, the combination of sustained/repeated arm abduction with high physical perceived exertion was the strongest risk factor for NP [OR = 3.5 (1.7–7.2)]; age and paced work were also predictors for NP in women.

Conclusions

NP results from complex relationships between individual and work-related variables. High physical workload, awkward postures, and poor organizational environment together with age differently predicted episodic NP according to the sex.

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Title: Risk factors for episodic neck pain in workers: a 5-year prospective study of a general working population
Authors: Audrey Petit
Julie Bodin
Angélique Delarue
Alexis D’Escatha
Natacha Fouquet
Yves Roquelaure
Publication date: 01-04-2018
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 3/2018
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-017-1272-5

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Risk factors for episodic neck pain in workers: a 5-year prospective study of a general working population

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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