Personal, biomechanical, organizational and psychosocial risk factors for neck disorders in a working population

The aim of the study was to assess both personal and occupational risk factors for non-specific neck disorder (ND) in a representative working population characterized by various levels of exposure to work-related constraints. ND during the preceding 7 days was assessed in 3,710 workers surveyed by 83 occupational physicians between 2002 and 2005. Personal risk factors and work exposure were assessed by a standardized examination and a self-administered questionnaire. Associations between ND and personal and occupational factors were analyzed using logistic regression modeling separately in men and in women.

The personal risk factors for ND were age (OR for 1-year increment 1.02, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.03 in men and 1.03 [1.01-1.04] in women) and previous history of arthritis disease (OR 2.39 [1.17-4.91] in men and 3.95 [1.92-8.12] in women). The risk of ND increased with previous history or upper limb musculoskeletal disorders in men (OR 1.58 [1.17-2.13]) and decreased with BMI in women (OR for 1-kg/m(2) increment 0.96, [0.93-0.99]). The work-related risk factors of ND were sustained or repeated arm abduction (OR 2.08 [1.35-3.21] in men and 2.22 [1.27-3.86] in women) and neck flexion (OR 1.64 [1.26-2.12] in women). Work pace dependent on customers (OR 1.42 [1.10-1.83]) and psychological demand of the task (OR 1.49 [1.15-1.92]) increased the risk of ND in men. Work pace dependent on quantified targets (OR 1.37 [1.05-1.79]) and low supervisor support (OR 1.68 [1.30-2.17]) increased the risk of ND in women. This study highlighted the multifactorial nature of ND.