Prevalence of low back pain and its predictor factors among office workers based on objective and subjective techniques

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are the most common and costly preventable occupational problem that office workers suffer from the discomfort associated with these disorders. The aims of this study were to a) investigate the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) and b) continuously assess the trunk postures of office workers.

Thirty-six office workers of a medical university participated in this cross-sectional study. Thirty-six office workers of a medical university participated in this cross-sectional study. The prevalence of LBP was determined using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Work trunk postures were measured using an inclinometer.

More than half of the subjects reported LBP. There was a significant relationship between LBP with age, work experience, working hours, and gender (p <0.05). The mean maximum trunk flexion angle was 35.41±13.72, and the mean maximum angle of lateral bend in the frontal plane was 9.86±3.2. The mean trunk angles for all percentiles and plates studied were significantly different between men and women; It was more in women than men (p <0.05).

  The results of this study showed that there are awkward and static postures lumbar among office workers that can be considered risk factors for developing LBP. The findings can help to establish guidelines regarding prioritizing ergonomic interventions to reduce the prevalence of LBP among office workers.