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Shift work, low-grade inflammation, and chronic pain: a 7-year prospective study
Jan Olav Christensen1, Kristian Bernhard Nilsen2, Laila Arnesdatter Hopstock3
1National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway. jan.o.christensen@stami.no.
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health
|February 7, 2021
Summary
Shift work alone does not cause chronic pain or inflammation. However, combined shift work and elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) may increase the risk of chronic pain.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Inflammation Research
- Pain Medicine
Background:
- Shift work is prevalent and associated with various health issues.
- Chronic pain is a significant public health concern.
- C-reactive protein (CRP) is a biomarker for inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prospective association between shift work and chronic pain.
- To examine C-reactive protein (CRP) as a potential mediator or moderator in this relationship.
Main Methods:
- A 7-year follow-up study with 2323 participants.
- Questionnaires assessed shift work and various chronic pain conditions.
- Serum CRP levels were measured; statistical analyses included logistic/Poisson regressions, mediation, and moderation analyses.
Main Results:
- No direct association was found between shift work and chronic pain variables.
- Elevated CRP was linked to low back pain, hip/leg pain, and a higher number of pain sites.
- A significant interaction was observed: shift work combined with elevated CRP increased the risk of any chronic pain and the number of pain regions.
Conclusions:
- Shift work alone does not appear to cause chronic pain or affect CRP levels.
- The combination of shift work and elevated CRP may synergistically increase the risk of developing chronic pain.
