Occupational biopsychosocial factors associated with neck pain intensity, neck-disability, and sick leave: A cross-sectional study of construction labourers in an African population.

INTRODUCTION: The burden and impact of neck pain is high in African countries including Nigeria. This study investigated the occupational biomechanical and occupational psychosocial factors associated with neck pain intensity, neck disability and sick leave amongst construction labourers in an urban Nigerian population. METHODS: This cross-sectional study measured clinical neck pain outcomes, occupational biomechanical factors, and occupational psychosocial factors. Descriptive, and univariate/multivariate inferential statistical analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Significant independent factors associated with neck pain intensity were order and pace of tasks being dependent on others (ß = 0.35; p<0.0001); inability to take breaks in addition to scheduled breaks (ß = 0.25; p<0.0001); inability to work because of unexpected events (ß = 0.21; p<0.0001); inability to control the order and pace of tasks (ß = 0.20; p<0.0001); and weight of load (ß = 0.17; p<0.0001); accounting for 53% of the variance in neck pain intensity. Significant independent factors associated with neck disability were weight of load (ß = 0.30; p<0.0001); duration of load carriage (ß = 0.16; p = 0.01); working under time pressure/deadlines (ß = 0.16; p = 0.02); and accounting for 20% of the variance in neck disability. Significant independent factor associated with sick leave was duration of load carriage (ß = 0.15; p = 0.04), in a non-significant regression model explaining -4% of the variance in sick leave. Addition of pain intensity significantly explained more variance in neck disability (31.0%) but less variance in sick leave (-5%), which was not statistically significant (F (10, 190) = 0.902, p = 0.533). CONCLUSIONS: Occupational biomechanical factors may be more important than occupational psychosocial factors in explaining neck disability and sick leave. In contrast, occupational psychosocial factors may be more important than occupational biomechanical factors in explaining neck pain intensity in this population in Nigeria.

Burden of neck pain in general population of China, 1990-2019: An analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.

Background: Neck pain has become very common in China and has greatly affected individuals, families, and society in general. In this study, we aimed to report on the rates and trends of the prevalence, incidence, and years lived with disability (YLDs) caused by neck pain in the general population of China from 1990 to 2019. Methods: We used data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2019 (GBD 2019) study to estimate the number and age standardised rates per 100 000 population of neck pain point prevalence, annual incidence, and YLDs in 33 provinces/municipalities/autonomous regions of China, stratified by age, sex, and sociodemographic index (SDI) from 1990 to 2019. We then compared these estimates with other G20 countries. Results: There were 6.80 × 107 patients with neck pain in 2019, presenting an increase from 3.79 × 107 in 1990. Likewise, the national age-standardised point prevalence increased slightly from 3.53% in 1990 to 3.57% in 2019. The YLDs increased by 78.08%, from 3814 × 103 in 1990 to 6792 × 103 in 2019. The age-standardised YLDs rate increased 1.50% from 352.84 in 1990 to 358.10 in 2019. The point prevalence of neck pain in 2019 was higher in females compared with males. These estimates were all above the global average level and increased more rapidly among G20 countries from 1990 to 2019. We generally observed a positive association between age-standardised YLD rates for neck pain and SDI, suggesting the burden is higher at higher sociodemographic indices. Conclusions: Neck pain is a serious public health problem in the general population in China, especially in its central and western regions, with an overall increasing trend in the last three decades. This is possibly related to changes of people's lifestyles and work patterns due to improvements in societal well-being and technology. Raising awareness of risk factors for neck pain in the general population and establishing effective preventive and treatment strategies could help reduce the future burden of neck disorders.

Investigating and analyzing the current situation and factors influencing chronic neck, shoulder, and lumbar back pain among medical personnel after the epidemic.

BACKGROUND: Chronic shoulder and neck pain is one of the most common chronic occupational disorders, with an average incidence rate of 48.5%, severely affecting patients' quality of life and ability to work. According to epidemiological research, the prevalence of chronic neck, shoulder, and low back pain in adults over the age of 45 ranges from 40 to 80%. According to reports, medical staff have a higher incidence rate than other populations, and there is a positive correlation between the grade of the medical institution and the incidence rate, making medical staff a priority group for the prevention of chronic neck, shoulder, and low back pain. By the end of 2022, China has been fully opened to epidemic prevention and control, the total number of patients in domestic hospitals has increased significantly, and resulting in medical personnel shoulting great pressure, which seriously affects the physical and mental health of medical personnel. The aim of this study was to explore the risk factors of chronic neck, shoulder and lumbar back pain in medical staff. To provide guidelines for medical staff to improve cervical and lumbar subacute pain and reduce the emergence of spinal lesions. METHODS: From January to February 2023, 602 staff members of a third-grade hospital in Zunyi City were studied by Questionnaire star. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression were used to analyze the independent risk factors of chronic neck, shoulder and lumbar back pain in medical staff, with stepwise regression utilized to choose the optimum model. The model was selected using Akaike's information criterion (AIC) and the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test. RESULTS: A total of 602 medical staff were polled, and the findings revealed that 588 cases of chronic neck, shoulder, and low back pain of varied severity had occurred in the previous 1 to 2 years, with a 97.7% incidence rate; logistic regression analysis revealed that anxiety level, frequency of bending over in the previous 1 to 2 years, whether related preventive measures were taken at work, gender, positive senior title, daily ambulation time, and whether the department they worked in organized independent influencing factors. CONCLUSION: The incidence of chronic neck, shoulder, and lumbar back pain among medical staff is high; its influencing factors are different and have not been systematically identified. Hospitals should take effective measures tailored to local conditions to improve the physical and mental health of medical staff.

Neck pain, disability and mobile phone usage among physiotherapy students - a cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Modern mobile devices have become tools used for educational, research, business or recreational purposes. Incorrect position during excessive use of a smartphone can lead to biomechanical changes, the most visible of which is the position of the head in protraction, characterized by the protrusion of the head and neck forward in relation to the shoulder girdle and trunk. The aim of the study was to analyze the relationship between disability, neck pain (NP), use of phones before bedtime, and hours of using smartphones. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved 146 physiotherapy students aged 18-26. Students were asked to complete pain surveys (VAS pain scale), and Neck Disability Index (NDI). Participants were also asked if their pain lasted longer than 3 months, how long they used their smartphone during the day, and whether they used it before bedtime. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found between groups with and without neck pain regarding NDI score (p<0.001). Participants who suffered from neck pain longer than 3 months had greater NDI scores (p=0.03), greater intensity of symptoms (p=0.04), greater problems with reading (p<0.01) and driving (p=0.04) than participants who experienced pain for less than 3 months. Using phones before bedtime was related to problems with focusing (p<0.01). There were statistically significant correlations between the time of phone use and disability in terms of reading (p=0.04), focusing (p<0.001), work (p<0.001) and sleeping (p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Dysfunctions associated with pain in the cervical section may affect the learning abilities of students and thus the acquisition of professional competencies. Not using a smartphone before bedtime is recommended, as it causes poorer concentration. The longer the time spent using the phone, the more significant the disability.

Is new tech a pain in the neck? The impact of introducing new technologies in home-care on neck pain: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Home healthcare services are increasingly utilizing novel technologies to enhance quality and efficiency of caregiving, to reduce workloads and compensate for expected labor shortages in the future due to ageing populations. However, rapid, ongoing implementation of new technologies may demand considerable adaptation for employees. The objective of this study was to prospectively examine associations of newly introduced work technologies with neck pain complaints. METHODS: With a nationally representative prospective sample of home-care workers in Norway (N = 887), we estimated effects of 1) introducing new technologies and 2) the appraised quality of training during implementation on neck pain eight months after. RESULTS: A majority of employees reported new technologies having been introduced the previous 12 months (73.8%). This was not by itself associated with neck pain. However, perceived high quality of training was associated with less subsequent neck pain, also after adjustment for job demands and job control. The strongest effect was seen for "very good" versus "very poor" quality training (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.17,0.71, in the fully adjusted model). Cross-lagged path analyses ruled out potential reverse causation stemming from the influence of pain on needs for or appraisals of training. CONCLUSION: The present findings suggest the introduction of new work technologies has a significant impact on home-care workers' health, depending on the quality of training during implementation. This highlights the need to include training programs in risk assessments when implementing new technologies.

Global, regional, and national burden of neck pain, 1990-2020, and projections to 2050: a systematic analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021.

BACKGROUND: Neck pain is a highly prevalent condition that leads to considerable pain, disability, and economic cost. We present the most current estimates of neck pain prevalence and years lived with disability (YLDs) from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) by age, sex, and location, with forecasted prevalence to 2050. METHODS: Systematic reviews identified population-representative surveys used to estimate the prevalence of and YLDs from neck pain in 204 countries and territories, spanning from 1990 to 2020, with additional data from opportunistic review. Medical claims data from Taiwan (province of China) were also included. Input data were pooled using DisMod-MR 2.1, a Bayesian meta-regression tool. Prevalence was forecast to 2050 using a mixed-effects model using Socio-demographic Index as a predictor and multiplying by projected population estimates. We present 95% UIs for every metric based on the 2·5th and 97·5th percentiles of 100 draws of the posterior distribution. FINDINGS: Globally, in 2020, neck pain affected 203 million (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 163-253) people. The global age-standardised prevalence rate of neck pain was estimated to be 2450 (1960-3040) per 100 000 population and global age-standardised YLD rate was estimated to be 244 (165-346) per 100 000. The age-standardised prevalence rate remained stable between 1990 and 2020 (percentage change 0·2% [-1·3 to 1·7]). Globally, females had a higher age-standardised prevalence rate (2890 [2330-3620] per 100 000) than males (2000 [1600-2480] per 100 000), with the prevalence peaking between 45 years and 74 years in male and female sexes. By 2050, the estimated global number of neck pain cases is projected to be 269 million (219-322), with an increase of 32·5% (23·9-42·3) from 2020 to 2050. Decomposition analysis of the projections showed population growth was the primary contributing factor, followed by population ageing. INTERPRETATION: Although age-standardised rates of neck pain have remained stable over the past three decades, by 2050 the projected case numbers are expected to rise. With the highest prevalence in older adults (higher in females than males), a larger effect expected in low-income and middle-income countries, and a rapidly ageing global population, neck pain continues to pose a challenge in terms of disability burden worldwide. For future planning, it is essential we improve our mechanistic understanding of the different causes and risk factors for neck pain and prioritise the consistent collection of global neck pain data and increase the number of countries with data on neck pain. FUNDING: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Global Alliance for Musculoskeletal Health.

Cognition is selectively impaired in males with spinal pain: A retrospective analysis of data from the Longitudinal Study of Ageing Danish Twins.

Cognitive decline and spinal pain (back pain [BP] and neck pain [NP]) represent a major public health challenge, yet the potential relationship between them remains elusive. A retrospective analysis of the Longitudinal Study of Ageing Danish Twins was performed to determine any potential relationships between BP/NP and cognitive function adjusting for age, sex, educational and socioeconomic status. A total of 4731 adults (2788 females/1943 males) aged 78 ± 6 (SD) years were included in the analysis. We observed a 1-month prevalence of 25% with BP, 21% with NP and 11% for combined BP/NP. While there were no differences in cognition scores for males and females reporting combined BP/NP, compared to those without combined BP/NP (34.38 points [95% confidence interval (CI) = 31.88, 36.88] vs. 35.72 points [95% CI = 35.19, 36.26]; P = 0.180; and 35.72 points [95% CI = 35.19, 36.26] vs. 35.85 points [95% CI = 35.39, 36.31]; P = 0.327; for male and females, respectively), an adjusted analysis revealed that males with combined BP/NP presented with lower cognitive scores compared to males without combined BP/NP (81.26 points [95% CI = 73.80, 88.72] vs. 79.48 points [95% CI = 70.31, 88.66]; P = 0.043). The findings of this hypothesis-generating study may highlight a potential sex-specific association between spinal pain and later-life neurodegeneration.

Symptom burden and follow-up of patients with neck and back complaints in specialized outpatient care: a national register study.

Back and neck pain are common in the population, especially among immigrants. In Norway's specialist care system, treating these patients typically involves a multidisciplinary approach based on the biopsychosocial model. However, language and cultural differences may create barriers to participation. Immigrants are often underrepresented in clinical studies, but a register-based approach can enhance their participation in research. This study aimed to compare both the symptom burden, and treatment, among Norwegians, non-Norwegians, and patients requiring translator service for back and neck pain within the Norwegian specialist care system. The Norwegian neck and back registry is a National Quality Register, established in 2012 and fully digitized in late 2020. The baseline data includes demographics and patient recorded outcome measures including Oswestry Disability Index, Fear-Avoidance Beliefs, pain rating on a numeric rating scale, Hopkins Symptom Checklist and EuroQol five-dimensional questionnaire on health related quality of life. During the two-year study period, a total of 14,124 patients were invited, and 10,060 (71%) participated. Norwegian patients reported less pain, better function assessed by Oswestry Disability Index, lower fear avoidance beliefs, less emotional distress, and higher health related quality of life compared to non-Norwegians. We found that patients with female gender, who were younger, more educated and exhibited fear-avoidance behavior were significantly more likely to receive multidisciplinary treatment. We found no difference in the proportion of Norwegian and non-Norwegian patients receiving multidisciplinary treatment [odds ratio (OR) 1.02 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.90-1.16)]. However, patients needing a translator were less likely to receive multidisciplinary treatment compared to those who didn't require translation [OR 0.41 (95% CI (0.25-0.66)]. We found that non-Norwegian patients experience a higher symptom burden compared to Norwegian. We found that both non-Norwegians and patient in need of translator were to a greater extent recommended treatment in primary health care. The proportion of non-Norwegians patients receiving multidisciplinary treatment was similar to Norwegians, but those needing a translator were less likely to receive such treatment.

Impact of working and learning from home during the COVID-19 pandemic on the head, the neck and orofacial health: A cross-sectional pilot study.

BACKGROUND: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, about 81% of the world's population moved their workplace to a home office. OBJECTIVES: The main objective of this cross-sectional pilot study was to determine the impact of working and/or learning from home during the COVID-19 pandemic on the head, the neck and orofacial health in university students, faculty and staff. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Participants from 4 universities were recruited for an online survey. The survey included 33 questions related to demographics, health issues before and during the lockdown, work/study from home, and the awareness of the health effects of the lockdown. Descriptive statistics and single logistic regression analysis were employed. RESULTS: A total of 96 subjects aged 26 ±10.5 years participated in the study. Of these, 60% did not consider their home workstation to be adequate. The development of new symptoms or the worsening of the pre-existing symptoms was observed in 67%, 24%, 59%, and 37% of the participants with regard to neck pain, temporomandibular joint (TMJ)-related issues, headaches, and parafunctional oral habits, respectively. In addition, 87% of the respondents reported that their oral habits were aggravated by neck pain and a bad posture. As compared to the faculty and the staff, the students were more likely to experience headaches or the exacerbation of the pre-existing headaches during the pandemic. In the survey, 91% of the participants reported an increased awareness of the impact of the lockdown on their head and neck, and orofacial health. CONCLUSIONS: The present study helps understand the self-perceived effects of working and/or learning from home during the COVID-19 pandemic, and may facilitate implementing the appropriate models of treatment of the craniocervical-mandibular region during a pandemic.

Prevalence of Neck Pain in Soldiers as a Result of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury-Associated Trauma.

INTRODUCTION: Many of the injury mechanisms that cause mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) also create forces commonly associated with whiplash, resulting in cervical pain injury. The prevalence of associated neck pain with mTBI is not well established. There is a strong indication that injury to the cervical spine may aggravate, cause, and/or impact recovery of symptoms and impairments associated with the concussive event and its primary effect on the brain. The purpose of this study is to help identify the prevalence of ensuing cervical pain within 90 days of a previously documented mTBI and to examine the role of neck pain during concurrent concussive symptoms, in a military population stationed at a large military installation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective design utilized a de-identified dataset using predetermined search and filter criteria, which included male active duty service members (SMs), 20 to 45 years of age, who received medical care at any clinic on Fort Liberty (Fort Bragg, NC) during fiscal year (FY) 2012 to FY 2019, with documented cervicalgia and mTBI (via the International Classification of Diseases, 9th and 10th Revision, Clinical Modification codes), verified using electronic medical records. The final dataset served as the basis for subject sampling and was analyzed to determine the total number of documented cervicalgia and mTBI diagnoses. Results are presented as descriptive statistics. Approval for this study was received from the Andrews University Office of Research (18-097) and the Womack Army Medical Center Human Protections Office. RESULTS: Between FY 2012 and FY 2019, 14,352 unique SMs accessed a Fort Bragg, NC health care facility, at least once (Table I). Overall, 52% of SMs diagnosed with cervicalgia were found to have a previously diagnosed mTBI during the 90 days before the cervicalgia diagnosis. In contrast, the prevalence of same-day cervicalgia and mTBI diagnosis was <1% (Table IV). The prevalence of isolated cervicalgia diagnosis at any time during the reporting period was 3%, whereas isolated mTBI diagnosis was 1% (Table III). CONCLUSIONS: Over 50% of SMs diagnosed with cervicalgia had sustained a documented mTBI within 90 days prior, whereas less than 1% were diagnosed with cervicalgia at the time of initial primary care or emergency room encounter following the mTBI event. This finding suggests that the close anatomical and neurophysiological connections between the head and the cervical spine are both likely to be impacted through the same mechanism of injury. Delayed evaluation (and treatment) of the cervical spine may contribute to lingering post-concussive symptoms. Limitations of this retrospective review include the inability to assess the causality of the relationship between neck pain and mTBI, as only the existence and strength of the prevalence relationship can be identified. The outcome data are exploratory and intended to identify relationships and trends that may suggest further study across installations and across mTBI populations.

Global, Regional, and National Burden of Spine Pain, 1990-2019: A Systematic Analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the global, regional, national, and temporal trends in neck pain (NP) and low back pain (LBP) from 1990 to 2019 and analyze associations with age, sex, and sociodemographic index (SDI). DESIGN: Temporal trends analyses of the Global Burden of Disease 2019 data for global, regional, and national prevalence, incidence, and years lived with disabilities (YLDs) of NP and LBP from 1990 to 2019. SETTING: Not applicable. PARTICIPANTS: Not applicable. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The temporal trends in prevalence, incidence, and YLDs of NP and LBP, and associations with age, sex, and SDI. RESULTS: Globally, the prevalence, incidence, and YLDs of NP and LBP significantly increased; however, the age-standardized rates of NP showed a stable trend, and those of LBP slightly decreased from 1990 to 2019. The burden of NP and LBP was higher in women than in men. Both NP and LBP exhibited similar age-related trends, with the total numbers and rates increasing with age and reaching their highest points in the middle- and old-aged groups, respectively, in 2019. Overall, the prevalence, incidence, and YLDs of NP and LBP were higher in regions with higher SDI over the 3 decades. CONCLUSIONS: NP and LBP impose significant major public health burden globally. Although both conditions are more frequent in women and middle-aged groups and tend to be prevalent in countries with high SDI, they have distinct temporal and regional patterns. By comprehending temporospatial trends in the disease burden of NP and LBP, policymakers and health care professionals can make future interventions and policies to effectively manage these conditions worldwide as well as to achieve equity in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Musculoskeletal complaints in English law enforcement officers: a cross-sectional study.

Objectives. Musculoskeletal (MSK) complaints are prevalent in law enforcement officers (LEOs), but research that examines their risk factors is limited. This study aimed to identify the self-reported MSK complaint prevalence and perceived causes in LEOs. Methods. The Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire was used to identify the 12-month and 7-day prevalence of MSK 'trouble' (ache, pain, discomfort) for nine body sites. The perceived cause, participant characteristics and occupational role were reported. Body fat percentage was measured using bioelectrical impedance. Results. Complete submissions of 186 questionnaires were received (80% male, median age 40.6 years, interquartile range 10.1). Eighty-six per cent of officers reported having an MSK complaint in the last 12 months, where lower back, shoulder and neck complaint prevalence was 59.1, 48.4 and 42.5%, respectively. The occupational role was associated with the site and presence of complaints (p < 0.05), where armed officers presented with more shoulder, lower back and hip/thigh complaints. Age, sex and body fat did not impact complaint prevalence. Participants mainly attributed their complaints to occupation equipment or to sport and exercise. Conclusion. MSK complaints were highly prevalent in this cohort, particularly armed officers. Further research is required to establish the impact of these complaints and how they can be mitigated.

The impact of COVID-19 on neck pain intensity and onset: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has had significant impacts on most aspects of life, including physical and psychological wellbeing. Neck pain is a very common musculoskeletal complaint worldwide, and one that has been impacted by COVID-19. Such impacts have been studied by a few researchers, but not without inconstancies. Moreover, understanding those impacts in relation to rehabilitation is not fully comprehended. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to systematically examine the impacts of COVID-19 on neck pain intensity and onset pre and post the pandemic. METHODS: This study was developed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. A systematic literature search was conducted on PubMed-MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library. Keywords used were "COVID-19" and "Neck Pain". Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist for prevalence studies. RESULTS: A total of five studies were included with an overall sample size of 2618 participants. Three studies were at moderate risk and two were at high risk of bias. Results from three studies reported an increase in neck pain intensity and onset, while the other two did not report an increase. CONCLUSION: The impact of COVID-19 on neck pain is unclear. The inconsistency in results sheds the light on the importance of having future research (including longitudinal studies) to help guide us towards understanding the real impacts of COVID-19 on neck pain.

Application of a Clinical Approach to Diagnosing Primary Pain: Prevalence and Correlates of Primary Back and Neck Pain in a Community Physiatry Clinic.

Chronic back or neck pain (CBNP) can be primary (nociplastic or neuroplastic; without clear peripheral etiology) or secondary (to nociceptive or neuropathic causes). Expanding on available models of nociplastic pain, we developed a clinic-ready approach to diagnose primary/nociplastic pain: first, a standard physical exam and review of imaging to rule out secondary pain; and second, a detailed history of symptom presentation to rule in primary pain. We trained a physician who evaluated 222 patients (73.9% female, age M = 59.6) with CBNP; patients separately completed pain and psychosocial questionnaires. We estimated the prevalence of primary CBNP and explored biomedical, imaging, and psychological correlates of primary CBNP. Although almost all patients (97.7%) had at least 1 spinal anomaly on imaging, the diagnostic approach estimated that 88.3% of patients had primary pain, 5.0% had secondary pain, and 6.8% had mixed pain. Patients with primary pain were more likely than the other 2 groups of patients (combined as "non-primary pain") to report certain functional conditions, central sensitization, and features such as sensitivity to light touch, spreading pain, and pain worsening with stress; however, no difference was detected in depression, anxiety, and pain catastrophizing between those with primary and nonprimary pain. These findings are consistent with prior estimates that 85 to 90% of CBNP is "nonspecific." Further research is needed to validate and perhaps refine this diagnostic approach, which holds the potential for better outcomes if patients are offered treatments targeted to primary pain, such as pain neuroscience education and several emerging psychological therapies. PERSPECTIVE: We developed an approach to diagnose chronic primary pain, which was applied in a physiatry clinic to 222 patients with CBNP. Most patients (88.3%) had primary pain, despite almost universal anomalies on spinal imaging. This diagnostic approach can guide educational and psychological treatments tailored for primary pain.

Exposomic Signatures of Cervical Pain.

INTRODUCTION: We evaluated risk factors associated with cervical pain (CP) among officers and enlisted members of the U.S. Army and Marine Aviation community using an exposomic approach. Specifically, we aimed to determine the factors associated with reported CP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study that utilized the Medical Assessment and Readiness System housed at Womack Army Medical Center to evaluate the longitudinal data taken from medical and workforce resources. This study included 77,864 active duty AMAC members during October 2015-December 2019. Multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between the independent variables of rank, service time, deployment, Armed Forces Qualification Test score, tobacco use, alcohol use, age, gender, race, ethnicity, body mass index, marital status, and education level and the dependent variable, incidence occurrence of CP. RESULTS: The total analysis included 77,864 individuals with 218,180 person-years of observations. The incidence rate of CP was 18.8 per 100 person-years, with a 12% period prevalence. Cervical pain was independently associated with rank, service time, Armed Forces Qualification Test score, and alcohol use (all P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Our longitudinal exposomic signatures-based approach aims to complement the outcomes of data science and analytics from Medical Assessment and Readiness System with validations of objective biochemical indicator species observed in Army and Marine Aviation community members suffering from CP. This initial approach using parallel track complementarity has the potential of substantiating the underlying mechanisms foundational to design prospective personalized algorithms that can be used as a predictive model. Finally, a specific evaluation of occupational risk factors may provide insight into factors not readily ascertained from the civilian literature.

Neck Pain Disability and Smartphone Addiction Among College Students Before and During COVID-19 Confinement: A Pilot Study.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an increase in the use of smartphone technology, which can be associated with several negative health effects such as neck pain disability. The present study explored the association between smartphone addiction and disability associated with neck pain among female health science students before and 2 months after the start of COVID-19 confinement. Data were obtained for this pilot study from 39 students before the pandemic and 2 months after the start of confinement using two self-administered questionnaires, the Neck Disability Index and Smartphone Addiction Scale Short Version. The results showed that while there was an increase in smartphone use after the start of confinement, the before and after confinement difference was negligible. Surprisingly, smartphone addiction and neck pain disability seemed to decrease after the start of the confinement. Further, while there was a moderate but significant correlation between smartphone addiction and neck pain disability before the COVID-19 confinement, this correlation was insignificant after the start of confinement. These findings could be explained by other factors, such as the position in which the devices were used, but they need to be investigated further through larger multicenter cohorts with long-term follow-up.

Associations between exposure to common technology devices and reported neck pain among Iranian school-age adolescents: a cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The advancement of technology has contributed to a more sedentary lifestyle, and the extensive use of handheld devices among adolescents may potentially result in neck pain. This study aimed to assess the association between exposure to common technology devices and self-reported neck pain in Iranian school-age adolescents. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted between June and October 2021, employing a randomized multi-stage cluster sampling approach. We enrolled 808 adolescent students aged 11 to 19 years old. We asked participants about any neck pain they experienced in the week leading up to the study. Additionally, we gathered demographic information and assessed participants' use of electronic devices using a questionnaire. RESULTS: Our study comprised 73.5% female participants with an average age of 15.1 ± 1.7 years and 26.5% male participants with an average age of 14.5 ± 1.5 years. In the regression model, the female gender (p = 0.038), using mobile for more than 6 h (p = 0.04), and using electronic devices while sitting on the floor (p = 0.02) were associated with a higher prevalence of neck pain among participants. CONCLUSION: In our study, we observed a relatively high prevalence of neck pain, which was linked to extended daily mobile phone usage and body posture during electronic device use. Policymakers may consider interventions aimed at reducing mobile phone usage and promoting proper body posture while using electronic devices as potential strategies to alleviate the burden of neck pain among Iranian adolescents.

Prevalence and risk factors of occupational neck pain in Chinese male fighter pilots: a cross-sectional study based on questionnaire and cervical sagittal alignment.

Background: Neck pain (NP) is a common musculoskeletal disorder among fighter pilots and has become a rising concern due to its detrimental impact on military combat effectiveness. The occurrence of NP is influenced by a variety of factors, but less attention has been paid to the association of NP with demographic, occupational, and cervical sagittal characteristics in this group. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of NP in Chinese male fighter pilots using a questionnaire and cervical sagittal measurements. Methods: Demographic and flight-related data, as well as musculoskeletal pain information, were gathered from Chinese male fighter pilots via a self-report questionnaire. Cervical sagittal parameters were measured and subtypes were classified using standardized lateral cervical radiographs. Differences in various factors between the case and control groups were analyzed using t-tests or chi-square tests. Binary logistic regressions were conducted to explore potential risk factors contributing to NP. Predictors were presented as crude odds ratios (CORs) and adjusted odds ratios (AORs), along with their respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: A total of 185 male fighter pilots were included in this cross-sectional study. Among them, 96 (51.9%) reported experiencing NP within the previous 12 months. The multivariate regression analysis revealed that continuous flight training (AOR: 4.695, 95% CI: 2.226-9.901, p < 0.001), shoulder pain (AOR: 11.891, 95% CI: 4.671-30.268, p < 0.001), and low back pain (AOR: 3.452, 95% CI: 1.600-7.446, p = 0.002) were significantly associated with NP. Conclusion: The high 12-month prevalence of NP among Chinese male fighter pilots confirms the existence of this growing problem. Continuous flight training, shoulder pain, and low back pain have significant negative effects on pilots' neck health. Effective strategies are necessary to establish appropriate training schedules to reduce NP, and a more holistic perspective on musculoskeletal protection is needed. Given that spinal integrated balance and compensatory mechanisms may maintain individuals in a subclinical state, predicting the incidence of NP in fighter pilots based solely on sagittal characteristics in the cervical region may be inadequate.

Hamstring Tightness Among Individuals With Neck And Low Back Pain: A Cross Sectional Study In A Public Sector Institute Of Karachi.

Objectives: To determine the frequency of hamstring tightness and its impact among patients with chronic neck and low-back pain. METHODS: The analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted at the outpatient department of the Sindh Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Karachi, from September 10, 2021, to January 31, 2022, and comprised patients of either gender aged 18-40 years with non-specific cervical and lumbar pain for more than 3 months. The participants were divided into 2 groups. Group A included those with chronic neck pain and group B included participants with chronic low-back pain. Clinical assessment was done to measure hamstring tightness and pain by using the active knee extension test and the visual analogue scale, respectively. Data was analysed using SPSS 24. RESULTS: Out of 104 participants, there were 52(50%) males and as many females. The overall mean age was 28.15±5.10years. There were 52(50%) subjects in each of the two groups. Hamstring tightness was found in 73(70.2%) subjects. Patients with chronic low-back pain reported more tightness of hamstring muscle 38(73.1%) than those with chronic neck pain 35(67.3%) (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Hamstring tightness was frequent among patients with chronic neck pain and low-back pain though not significantly.

Association between pain intensity, neck disability index, and working conditions among women employed in horticulture.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: One of the most frequent musculoskeletal disorders is neck pain (NP). NP can be associated with occupational activities and is more common among females than males. Horticulture is a branch of agriculture in which work is intensively manual, and characterized by repetitive tasks. The aim of the cross-sectional study was to analyze the association between pain intensity, neck disability index (NDI), and working conditions in terms of selected factors related to work in horticulture. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 44 women employed in horticulture met eligibility criteria (experienced necked pain). Five factors related to working conditions were investigated: work experience, upper extremity position, head position, prophylaxis, and stress frequency. NDI and visual analog scale (VAS) were used to investigate pain intensity and disability. RESULTS: It was found that the position of the upper limb at work and the frequency of stress were significantly associated with the VAS score (p=0.046 and p=0.02, respectively). With regard to NDI total score, a statistically significant association was found between work experience and stress frequency (p=0.02 and p=0.01, respectively). Analysis of the relationship between VAS and NDI total score showed a statistically significant weak positive correlation (R=0.39; p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: NP and NDI are related to the activities that women working in horticulture have to perform. Stress seems to be an important factor in cervical problems among female workers leading to an increase in NP and disability.