Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 30, 2025
Minimally Invasive Treatment for Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture Using Sagittal Alignment Screws and A Trauma Reduction Device
Published on: November 8, 2024
Risk factors for surgically treated cervical spondylosis in male construction workers: a 20-year prospective study
Jennie A Jackson1, Per Liv2, Arkan S Sayed-Noor3
1Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden; Department of Occupational Health Sciences and Psychology, University of Gävle, Gävle, Sweden.
Background Context:
Degenerative changes due to cervical spondylosis (CS) can detrimentally affect work ability and quality of life yet understanding of how physical exposure affects disease progression is limited.
Purpose:
To assess the associations between occupational physical exposures and occurrence of surgically treated cervical spondylosis (ST-CS) and early exit from the labor market via disability pension.
Study Design/Setting:
Prospective register study with 20 years follow-up period.
Patient Sample:
Swedish construction workers participating in a national health surveillance project conducted between 1971 and 1993.
Outcome Measures:
Surgically treated cervical spondylosis (ST-CS) and early labor market exit at a minimum rate of 25% time on disability pension.
Methods:
Associations between occupational physical exposures (job exposure matrix) and subsequent ST-CS (National Hospital in-patient register) and early labor market exit via disability pension (Swedish Social Insurance Agency register) were assessed in a cohort of male construction workers (n=237,699).
Results:
A total of 1381 ST-CS cases were present and a 20 years incidence rate of 35.1 cases per 100,000 person years (95% confidence interval (CI) 33.2-36.9). Increased relative risk (RR) for ST-CS was found for workers exposed to non-neutral (RR 1.40, 95% CI 1.15-1.69), and awkward neck postures (1.52, 1.19-1.95), working with the hands above shoulder height (1.30, 1.06-1.60), and high upper extremity loading (1.35, 1.15-1.59). Increased risk was also present for workers who reported frequent neck (3.06, 2.18-4.30) and upper back (3.84, 2.57-5.73) pain in the 12 months prior to survey. Among workers with elevated arm exposure, higher risk was seen in those who also had more frequent neck pain. ST-CS cases took early retirement more often (41.3%) and at a younger age (53 years) than the total study cohort (14.8% and 56 years of age, respectively).
Conclusions:
Occupational exposure to non-neutral neck postures, work with hands above shoulders and high loads born through the upper extremities increased the risk for ST-CS and early retirement due to disability. Decreasing postural and load exposure is salient for primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention of CS. Neck pain was shown to be a prognostic factor for ST-CS, which stresses the importance of acting early and taking preventative action to reduce workplace exposure, and the need for systematic medical check-ups within primary or occupational care to mitigate disease progression and early labour market exit due to disability.
