Effects of risk factors related to computer use on musculoskeletal pain in office workers

Abstract

Purpose. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are increasing due to overuse of desktop computers. This investigation examined musculoskeletal pain in office workers. Methods. Sociodemographic factors were recorded for 362 participants (female, 50.8%; male, 49.2%; mean age 37.35 ± 8.43 years). Participants were questioned for their daily working time, computer usage time and years, whether musculoskeletal pain was related to their job and whether pain disturbed their activities of daily living (ADLs). Working postures were observed and pain severity was evaluated by visual analog scale. Results. Participants more frequently had upper back pain (69.6%), neck pain (65.2%) and lower back pain (LBP) (64.1%) during the last 12 months; 60.5% of participants reported pain after they started work. LBP (32.9%), back pain (28.2%) and neck pain (22.9%) restricted participants' daily life. We found positive correlations between daily computer use and neck/upper back, and LBP. Conclusions. The most painful areas of participants using desktop computers were the upper back, neck, lower back and shoulder, and the pain in these regions affected ADLs negatively. This pain mostly occurred after the current job and these individuals experience more intense pain. Ergonomic approaches could reduce WMSDs and make workers more independent in ADLs and prevent chronicity.

Keywords: computer use; musculoskeletal pain; office worker.