A study published in Spine examines the work-related risk factors for neck pain.
The researchers examined data from the National Health Interview Survey 2009 to 2012. All data came from workers in the United States with back pain. Here are three key updates from the report:
1. The top five occupational groups with significantly higher neck pain are:
• Military
• Arts, design, entertainment, sports, media
• Life, physical and social science
• Healthcare support
• Installation, maintenance and repair
The researchers controlled for demographic, socioeconomic status and behavior-related factors compared with architecture and engineering occupational groups when comparing these workers.
2. People who work 46 hours to 59 hours per week and those that work for longer than 60 hours per week were more likely to report neck pain than those who worked 40 hours per week.
3. The researchers concluded the study indicates "a need for new research efforts and public policy targeted to workers who are susceptible to neck pain in the United States."