Changes in Musculoskeletal Pain Among Computer Workers When Working From Home

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Musculoskeletal Disorders
• Public Health

Background:

• The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic significantly altered work environments, leading to a widespread increase in remote work.
• Pre-pandemic data on the specific impact of widespread remote work on musculoskeletal pain is limited.
• Understanding the relationship between remote work and musculoskeletal health is critical for employee well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of increased working from home on musculoskeletal pain.
• To compare pain prevalence before and after the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic among computer workers.
• To identify risk factors associated with remote work that contribute to musculoskeletal pain.

Main Methods:

• An online survey was conducted between September 2023 and April 2024, collecting pain ratings on a numeric scale.
• Logistic regression analyses were used to model the impact of working from home and other covariates on pain onset and exacerbation.
• Data was collected from 1064 computer workers, with 968 participants working remotely.

Main Results:

• Working from home showed a trend towards increased musculoskeletal pain compared to office-only work.
• Extended remote working hours and inadequate workstation setups were significant risk factors for pain.
• Specific risks included new neck or upper back pain (odds ratio 2.02, 95% CI 1.08-3.76).

Conclusions:

• Preventing musculoskeletal pain in remote workers requires attention to workstation ergonomics.
• Promoting healthy lifestyles and regular occupational health screenings are recommended.
• Support for employees experiencing anxiety or depression symptoms may also mitigate pain.