Can the job demand control model explain back and neck pain? Cross-sectional study in a representative sample of Swiss working population

Abstract

The aim of the present study was the examination of the Job Demand Control model in relation to self-reported work-related back and neck pain in a representative sample ( n = 1040) of the Swiss working population. The effects of the main dimensions psychological and physical demands, job control and social support, but also their interaction were investigated for neck and back pain separately. After factor and descriptive analyses, binary logistic regression was performed, controlling for age, sex and education. This study found partial support for the Job Demand Control model. The findings showed some support for the strain hypothesis, but mainly that physically or psychologically demanding jobs were associated with a higher prevalence of neck and back pain. Job demands, especially the physical kind, had the most powerful effect. None of the interaction terms showed a significant effect. Relevance to industry The results of the conducted study indicate that it is primarily important to reduce the physical work demands, but also that the psychosocial factors at work should be improved in order to reduce the occurrence of work-related neck and back pain.