Physical Risk Factors Associated with the Work-Related Neck/Cervical Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Review

Authors

  • Yun Sun
  • Ashish D Nimbarte West Virginia University
  • Hossein Motabar

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37266/ISER.2017v5i1.pp44-60

Abstract

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) of the neck or cervical spine result in longer sick leaves, substantial levels of human suffering, and high costs for society. Epidemiological studies clearly indicate strong associations between MSD of the neck and the work activities requiring forceful arm exertions and heavy lifting. However, most of the existing studies that evaluate the neck or cervical spine disorders focus mainly on exertions demanding sustained neck postures of repetitive arm exertions. The purpose of this study is to conduct a systematic review of existing epidemiological and experimental studies that evaluates neck or cervical spine disorders and identify the gaps in the literature for future research.

Author Biography

Ashish D Nimbarte, West Virginia University

Assistant Professor
Industrial and Management Systems Engineering

 

References

Aasa, U., Barnekow-Bergkvist, M., Angquist, K.A., & Brulin, C. (2005). Relationships between Work-related Factors and Disorders in the Neck-shoulder and Low-back Region among Female and Male Ambulance Personnel. Journal of Occupational Health, 47(6), 481-489.

Åkesson, I., Hansson, G. Å., Balogh, I., Moritz, U., & Skerfving, S. (1997). Quantifying work load in neck, shoulders and wrists in female dentists. International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 69(6), 461-474.

Alexopoulos, E. C., Burdorf, A., & Kalokerinou, A. (2003). Risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders among nursing personnel in Greek hospitals. International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 76(4), 289-294.

Alexopoulos EC, S. I., Charizani F. (2004). Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in dentists. BMC Musculoskelet Disord, 5, 16.

Alipour, A., Ghaffari, M., Shariati, B., Jensen, I., & Vingard, E. (2008). Occupational neck and shoulder pain among automobile manufacturing workers in Iran. Am J Ind Med, 51(5), 372-379.

Andersen, J. H., Kaergaard, A., Mikkelsen, S., Jensen, U. F., Frost, P., Bonde, J. P., et al. (2003). Risk factors in the onset of neck/shoulder pain in a prospective study of workers in industrial and service companies. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 60(9), 649-654.

Anton, D., Shibley, L., Fethke, N., Hess, J., Cook, T., & Rosecrance, J. (2001). The effect of overhead drilling position on shoulder moment and electromyography. Ergonomics, 44(5), 489-501.

Anton, D., Rosecrance, J. C., Gerr, F., Merlino, L. A., & Cook, T. M. (2005). Effect of concrete block weight and wall height on electromyographic activity and heart rate of masons. Ergonomics, 48(10), 1314-1330.

Ariëns, G. A. M., Bongers, P. M., Douwes, M., Miedema, M. C., Hoogendoorn, W. E., van der Wal, G., et al. (2001). Are neck flexion, neck rotation, and sitting at work risk factors for neck pain? Results of a prospective cohort study. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 58(3), 200-207.

Ariens, G. A., van Mechelen, W., Bongers, P. M., Bouter, L. M., & van der Wal, G. (2000). Physical risk factors for neck pain. Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health, 26(1), 7-19.

Armstrong, T. J., Buckle, P., Fine, L. J., Hagberg, M., Jonsson, B., Kilbom, A., et al. (1993). A conceptual model for work-related neck and upper-limb musculoskeletal disorders. Scandinavian journal of work, environment & health, 19(2), 73-84.

Balci, R., & Aghazadeh, F. (1998). Influence of VDT monitor positions on discomfort and performance of users with or without bifocal lenses. Journal of human ergology, 27(1-2), 62-69.

Balci, R., & Aghazadeh, F. (2003). The effect of work-rest schedules and type of task on the discomfort and performance of VDT users. Ergonomics, 46(5), 455-465.

Bauer, W., & Wittig, T. (1998). Influence of screen and copy holder positions on head posture, muscle activity and user judgement. Applied Ergonomics 29(3), 185-192.

Bertmaring, I., Babski-Reeves, K., & Nussbaum, M. (2008). Infrared imaging of the anterior deltoid during overhead static exertions. Ergonomics, 51(10), 1606-1619.

Blatter, B. M., & Bongers, P. M. (2002). Duration of computer use and mouse use in relation to musculoskeletal disorders of neck or upper limb.. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 30(4-5), 295-306.

Bowman, C. (1999). BLS Projections to 2008: A Summary. Monthly Labor Review, 122(11).

Brandt, L., Andersen, J., & Lassen, C., et al. (2004). Neck and shoulder symptoms and disorders among Danish computer workers. Scand J Work Environ Health, 30(5), 399-409.

Brookham, R. L., Wong, J. M., & Dickerson, C. R. (2010). Upper limb posture and submaximal hand tasks influence shoulder muscle activity. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 40(3), 337-344.

Buckle, P. W., & Devereux, J. (2002). The nature of work-related neck and upper limb musculoskeletal disorders. Applied Ergonomics, 33(3), 207-217.

Cailliet, R. (1991). Neck and Arm Pain. 3 rd ed. Philadelphia: FA Davis Company.

Cassou, B., Derriennic, F., Monfort, C., Norton, J., & Touranchet, A. (2002). Chronic neck and shoulder pain, age, and working conditions: longitudinal results from a large random sample in France. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 59(8), 537-544.

Chee, H., Rampal, K., & Chandrasakaran, A. (2004). Ergonomic Risk Factors of Work Processes in the Semiconductor Industry in Peninsular Malaysia. Industrial Health, 42(3), 373-381.

Chen, H. M., & Leung, C. T. (2007). The effect on forearm and shoulder muscle activity in using different slanted computer mice. Clinical Biomechanics, 22(5), 518-523.

Chiu, T. T. W., Ku, W. Y., Lee, M. H., Sum, W. K., Wan, M. P., Wong, C. Y., et al. (2002). A Study on the Prevalence of and Risk Factors for Neck Pain Among University Academic Staff in Hong Kong. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, 12(2), 77-91.

Chopp, J., Fischer, S., & Dickerson, C. (2010). The impact of work configuration, target angle and hand force direction on upper extremity muscle activity during sub-maximal overhead work. Ergonomics, 53(1), 83-91.

Cook, C., Burgess-Limerick, R., & Chang, S. (2000). The prevalence of neck and upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms in computer mouse users. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 26(3), 347-356.

Delisle, A., Larivière, C., Plamondon, A., & Imbeau, D. (2006). Comparison of three computer office workstations offering forearm support: impact on upper limb posture and muscle activation. Ergonomics, 49(2), 139-160.

Dennerlein, J. T., & Johnson, P. W. (2006). Different computer tasks affect the exposure of the upper extremity to biomechanical risk factors. Ergonomics, 49(1), 45-61.

Devereux, J. J., Vlachonikolis, I. G., & Buckle, P. W. (2002). Epidemiological study to investigate potential interaction between physical and psychosocial factors at work that may increase the risk of symptoms of musculoskeletal disorder of the neck and upper limb. Occup Environ Med, 59(4), 269-277.

Ebaugh, D., McClure, P., & Karduna, A. (2006). Effects of shoulder muscle fatigue caused by repetitive overhead activities on scapulothoracic and glenohumeral kinematics. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, 16(3), 224-235.

Eltayeb, S., Staal, J., Hassan, A., & de Bie, R. (2009). Work Related Risk Factors for Neck, Shoulder and Arms Complaints: A Cohort Study Among Dutch Computer Office Workers. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, 19(4), 315-322.

Feveile, H., Jensen, C., & Burr, H. (2002). Risk factors for neck-shoulder and wrist-hand symptoms in a 5-year follow-up study of 3,990 employees in Denmark. International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 75(4), 243-251.

Finsen, L., Christensen, H., & Bakke, M. (1998). Musculoskeletal disorders among dentists and variation in dental work. Applied Ergonomics, 29(2), 119-125.

Fogleman, M., & Lewis, R. J. (2002). Factors associated with self-reported musculoskeletal discomfort in video display terminal (VDT) users. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 29(6), 311-318.

Garg, A., Hegmann, K., & Kapellusch, J. (2006). Short-cycle overhead work and shoulder girdle muscle fatigue. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 36(6), 581-597.

Grant, K. A., & Habes, D. J. (1997). An electromyographic study of strength and upper extremity muscle activity in simulated meat cutting tasks. Applied Ergonomics, 28(2), 129-137.

Hagberg, M. (1984). Occupational musculoskeletal sress and disorders of the neck and shoulder: a review of possible pathophysiology. International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 53, 269-278.

Hagberg, M., & Wegman, D. H. (1987). Prevalence rates and odds ratios of shoulder-neck diseases in different occupational groups. British journal of industrial medicine, 44(9), 602-610.

Hales, T. R., & Bernard, B. P. (1996). Epidemiology of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Journal of Orthopedic Clinic of North America, 27(4), 679-709.

Haughie, L. J., Fiebert, I. M., & Roach, K. E. (1995). Relationship of Forward Head Posture and Cervical Backward Bending to Neck Pain. The Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, 3(4), 91-97.

Holte, K. A., & Westgaard, R. H. (2002). Daytime trapezius muscle activity and shoulder-neck pain of service workers with work stress and low biomechanical exposure. American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 41(5), 393-405.

Hussain, T. (2004). Musculoskeletal symptoms among truck assembly workers. Occup Med (Lond), 54(8), 506-512.

Jensen, C. (2003). Development of neck and hand-wrist symptoms in relation to duration of computer use at work. Scand J Work Environ Health, 29, 197-205.

Jiang, Z., Shu, Y., Drum, J., Reid, S., & Mirka, G. A. (2006). Effects of age on muscle activity and upper body kinematics during a repetitive forearm supination task. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 36(11), 951-957.

Keir, P. J., & MacDonell, C. W. (2004). Muscle activity during patient transfers: a preliminary study on the influence of lift assists and experience. Ergonomics, 47(3), 296-306.

Korhonen, T., Ketola, R., Toivonen, R., Luukkonen, R., Häkkänen, M., & Viikari-Juntura, E. (2003). Work related and individual predictors for incident neck pain among office employees working with video display units. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 60(7), 475-482.

Larsson, B., Søgaard, K., & Rosendal, L. (2007). Work related neck-shoulder pain: a review on magnitude, risk factors, biochemical characteristics, clinical picture and preventive interventions. Best Practice & Research Clinical Rheumatology, 21(3), 447-463.

Leonard, J. H., Kok, K. S., Ayiesha, R., Das, S., Roslizawati, N., Vikram, M., et al. (2010). Prolonged writing task: comparison of electromyographic analysis of upper trapezius muscle in subjects with or without neck pain. Clin Ter, 161(1), 29-33.

Lorusso, A., Bruno, S., & L'Abbate, N. (2007). Musculoskeletal Complaints among Italian X-ray Technologists. Industrial Health, 45(5), 705-708.

Magnusson, M. L., & Pope, M. H. (1998). A review of the biomechanics and epidemiology of working postures (It isn't always vibration which is to blame!). Journal of Sound and Vibration, 215(4), 965-976.

Malchaire, J., Cock, N., & Vergracht, S. (2001). Review of the factors associated with musculoskeletal problems in epidemiological studies. International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 74(2), 79-90.

Marras, W. S., Davis, K. G., Kirking, B. C., & Bertsche, P. K. (1999). A comprehensive analysis of low-back disorder risk and spinal loading during the transferring and repositioning of patients using different techniques. Ergonomics, 42(7), 904-926.

McLean, L. (2005). The effect of postural correction on muscle activation amplitudes recorded from the cervicobrachial region. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, 15(6), 527–535.

Ming, Z., Närhi, M., & Siivola, J. (2004). Neck and shoulder pain related to computer use. Pathophysiology, 11(1), 51-56.

Mork, P. J., & Westgaard, R. H. (2007). The influence of body posture, arm movement, and work stress on trapezius activity during computer work. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 101(4), 445-456.

Morse, T., Bruneau, H., Michalak-Turcotte, C., Sanders, M., Warren, N., Dussetschleger, J., et al. (2007). Musculoskeletal disorders of the neck and shoulder in dental hygienists and dental hygiene students. Journal of Dental Hygiene, 81(1), 10-10.

National Research Council and Institute of Medicine (2001). Musculoskeletal disorders and the workplace: Low back and upper extremities. Washington, DC: National Academy Press.

Nimbarte, A., Aghazadeh, F., Ikuma, L., & Harvey, C. (2010). Neck Disorders among Construction Workers: Understanding the Physical Loads on the Cervical Spine during Static Lifting Tasks. Industrial Health, 48(2), 145-153.

NIOSH. (1997). Musculoskeletal Disorders and Workplace Factors: A Critical Review of Epidemiological Evidence for Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders of the Neck, Upper Extremity, and Low Back. : DHHS (NIOSH).

Nussbaum, M., Clark, L., Lanza, M., & Rice, K. (2001). Fatigue and endurance limits during intermittent overhead work. AIHAJ-American Industrial Hygiene Association, 62(4), 446-456.

Palmer, K. T., Cooper, C., Walker-Bone, K., Syddall, H., & Coggon, D. (2001). Use of keyboards and symptoms in the neck and arm: evidence from a national survey. Occupational Medicine, 51(6), 392-395.

Palmer, K. T., Walker-Bone, K., Griffin, M. J., Syddall, H., Pannett, B., Coggon, D., et al. (2001). Prevalence and occupational associations of neck pain in the British population. Scand J Work Environ Health, 27, 49-56.

Poppen, N. K., & Walker, P. S. (1978). Forces at the glenohumeral joint in abduction. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, 135, 165-170.

Rocha, L. E., Glina, D., eacute, bora Miriam, R., Marinho, M. d. F., aacute, et al. (2005). Risk Factors for Musculoskeletal Symptoms among Call Center Operators of a Bank in São Paulo, Brazil. Industrial Health, 43(4), 637-646.

Rosecrance, J., Rodgers, G., & Merlino, L. (2006). Low back pain and musculoskeletal symptoms among Kansas farmers. American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 49(7), 547-556.

Sillanpaa, J., Huikko, S., Nyberg, M., Kivi, P., Laippala, P., & Uitti, J. (2003). Effect of work with visual display units on musculo-skeletal disorders in the office environment. Occupational Medicine, 53(7), 443-451.

Sim, J., Lacey, R., & Lewis, M. (2006). The impact of workplace risk factors on the occurrence of neck and upper limb pain: a general population study. BMC Public Health, 6(1), 234.

Smedley, J., Inskip, H., Trevelyan, F., Buckle, P., Cooper, C., & Coggon, D. (2003). Risk factors for incident neck and shoulder pain in hospital nurses. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 60(11), 864-869.

Smith, D. R., Mihashi, M., Adachi, Y., Koga, H., & Ishitake, T. (2006). A detailed analysis of musculoskeletal disorder risk factors among Japanese nurses. Journal of Safety Research, 37(2), 195-200.

Sood, D., Nussbaum, M., & Hager, K. (2007). Fatigue during prolonged intermittent overhead work: reliability of measures and effects of working height. Ergonomics, 50(4), 497-513.

Sporrong, H., Palmerud, G., & Herberts, P. (1996). Hand grip increases shoulder muscle activity: An EMG analysis with static handcontractions in 9 subjects. Acta Orthopaedica, 67(5), 485-490.

Sporrong, H., Palmerud, G., Kadefors, R., & Herberts, P. (1998). The effect of light manual precision work on shoulder muscles-- an EMG analysis. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, 8(3), 177-184.

Stenlund, B., Lindbeck, L., & Karlsson, D. (2002). Significance of house painters' work techniques on shoulder muscle strain during overhead work. Ergonomics, 45(6), 455-468.

Svendsen, S., Bonde, J., Mathiassen, S., Stengaard-Pedersen, K., & Frich, L. (2004). Work related shoulder disorders: quantitative exposure-response relations with reference to arm posture. Occupational and environmental medicine, 61(10), 844.

Szeto, G. P. Y., Straker, L., & Raine, S. (2002). A field comparison of neck and shoulder postures in symptomatic and asymptomatic office workers. Applied Ergonomics, 33(1), 75-84.

Szeto, G., & Lam, P. (2007). Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Urban Bus Drivers of Hong Kong. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, 17(2), 181-198.

Trinkoff, A. M., Lipscomb, J. A., Geiger-Brown, J., Storr, C. L., & Brady, B. A. (2003). Perceived physical demands and reported musculoskeletal problems in registered nurses.. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 24(3), 270-275.

Tsigonia, A., Tanagra, D., Linos, A., Merekoulias, G., & Alexopoulos, E. C. (2009). Musculoskeletal Disorders among Cosmetologists. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, 6, 2967-2979.

Turville, K. L., Psihogios, J. P., Ulmer, T. R., & Mirka, G. A. (1998). The effects of video display terminal height on the operator: a comparison of the 15 degree and 40 degree recommendations. Applied Ergonomics, 29(4), 239-246.

Valachi, B., & Valachi, K. (2003). Mechanisms leading to musculoskeletal disorders in dentistry. The Journal of the American Dental Association, 134(10), 1344-1350.

Viikari-Juntura, E., Martikainen, R., Luukkonen, R., Mutanen, P., Takala, E. P., & Riihimäki, H. (2001). Longitudinal study on work related and individual risk factors affecting radiating neck pain. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 58(5), 345-352.

Villanueva, M. B. G., Jonai, H., Sotoyama, M., Hisanaga, N., Takeuchi, Y., & Saito, S. (1997). Sitting Posture and Neck and Shoulder Muscle Activities at Different Screen Height Settings of the Visual Display Terminal. Industrial Health, 35(3), 330-336.

Walker-Bone, K., & Cooper, C. (2005). Hard work never hurt anyone: or did it? A review of occupational associations with soft tissue musculoskeletal disorders of the neck and upper limb. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, 64(10), 1391-1396.

Wang, P.C., Rempel, D. M., Harrison, R. J., Chan, J., & Ritz, B. R. (2007). Work-organisational and personal factors associated with upper body musculoskeletal disorders among sewing machine operators. Occupational and environmental medicine, 64(12), 806-813.

Waters, T. (2004). National efforts to identify research issues related to prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, 14(1), 7-12.

Westgaard, R. (1999). Effects of physical and mental stressors on muscle pain. Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health, 25(4), 19-24.

Westgaard, R. H., Vasseljen, O., & Holte, K. A. (2001). Trapezius muscle activity as a risk indicator for shoulder and neck pain in female service workers with low biomechanical exposure. Ergonomics, 44(3), 339-353.

Published

2017-08-04

How to Cite

Sun, Y., Nimbarte, A. D., & Motabar, H. (2017). Physical Risk Factors Associated with the Work-Related Neck/Cervical Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Review. Industrial and Systems Engineering Review, 5(1), 44-60. https://doi.org/10.37266/ISER.2017v5i1.pp44-60