Identification of Factors Associated with Nonspecific Neck Pain in Working Women

Abstract

Abstract Objectives  Neck pain is a broad term that encompasses both nonspecific neck pain and neck pain-related disorders. It causes discomfort, impaired quality of life, disability, and affects workability alike in men as well as women. This study was designed to determine prevalence and evaluate the association of different factors with the occurrence of nonspecific neck pain in working women. Materials and Methods  A cross-sectional study was performed on working women ( n  = 196) age group between 25 and 53 years. A Google Form of the Questionnaire for the Evaluation of Risk Factors Associated With Non-Specific Neck Pain scale and Neck Disability Index (NDI) scale was given to individuals and further objective assessment of physical factors was conducted. Statistical Analysis  The association between individual, workplace, lifestyle, physical and psychological factors, and NDI levels of disability was also investigated using Pearson's correlation test and the chi-squared test using SPSS version 28.0. Results  Frequency of nonspecific neck pain in working women was 47.55%. Marital status was a significant (χ 2  = 8.89) factor toward occurrence of neck pain in working women. Number of working hours/week (χ 2  = 19.97), number of hours spend for entertainment on the computer (χ 2  = 41.84), and height of keyboard & mouse (χ 2  = 18.52) were significant factors leading to neck pain at workplace. Lifestyle factors such as mobile phones usage ( p -value = 0.02) and posture assumed while using them (χ 2  = 19.56) were significantly associated with neck disability. Levels of disability were significantly influenced by physical factors like tragus-to-wall tests ( r  = 0.33) and cervical flexion and extension ranges ( r  = 0.41 and r  = 0.31). Importantly, psychological factors were strongly associated with neck pain and disability. Conclusion  Factors under psychological, workplace, and lifestyle domains were found significantly associated with nonspecific neck pain in working women.