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Association of Low Back Pain with Shift Work: A Meta-Analysis
Ho-Ming Chen1, Po-Yao Huang2, Hung-Yi Chuang3,4
1Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Municipal Siaogang Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City 812, Taiwan.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|January 21, 2023
Summary
Shift work significantly increases the risk of low back pain (LBP). Night shifts and shift work in healthcare workers show a stronger association with LBP compared to rotating shifts or non-healthcare settings.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Epidemiology
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
Background:
- Shift work (SW) is a prevalent global work schedule associated with various health issues, including sleep disorders, cancer, and cardiovascular disease.
- Low back pain (LBP) is a common occupational health problem, but its relationship with SW is not well-established.
- This meta-analysis aims to clarify the association between SW and LBP.
Approach:
- A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted following PRISMA guidelines.
- Searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases for relevant studies.
- Included 40 studies involving adult employees exposed to SW and reporting LBP outcomes.
Key Points:
- Shift work was significantly associated with an increased risk of LBP (OR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.18–1.47).
- Night shift work showed a significant association with LBP (OR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.24–1.82), whereas rotating shift work did not (OR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.76–1.22).
- Shift work was more strongly associated with LBP in healthcare workers (OR: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.20–1.63) compared to non-healthcare workers (OR: 1.19, 95% CI: 0.94–1.50).
Conclusions:
- Shift work is a significant risk factor for developing low back pain.
- Night shift work poses a greater risk for LBP than rotating shifts.
- Healthcare workers engaged in shift work experience a higher risk of LBP compared to their non-healthcare counterparts.
