A prospective cohort study of neck and shoulder pain in professional drivers

Abstract

In a three-year follow-up study, the occurrence of neck and shoulder pain (NSP) in terms of frequency, duration and intensity was investigated in a population of 537 male professional drivers. Over the follow-up period, the cumulative incidences for neck and shoulder pain were 31.9% and 21.4%, respectively. After adjustment for potential confounders, a measure of cumulative whole-body vibration exposure was significantly associated with all NSP outcomes. Lifting loads and work with hands above shoulder level were significantly related to shoulder outcomes, while driving with trunk bent or twisted was associated with neck pain. Limited job decision, low social support and job dissatisfaction were significant predictors of neck outcomes. Psychological distress was associated with all NSP outcomes. The findings of this cohort study suggest that NSP outcomes are of multifactorial origin in driving occupations.Practitioner Summary: This prospective cohort study highlighted the multifactorial nature of neck and shoulder pain (NSP) outcomes in a population of professional drivers. Cumulative whole-body vibration exposure, physical load factors and adverse psychosocial environment at the workplace, as well as individual-related psychological distress, were significant predictors of the occurrence of NSP in the professional drivers.