Musculoskeletal Acute and Chronic Pain Surveyed among Construction Workers in Wisconsin, United States: A Pilot Study

Abstract

This pilot study assessed work-related acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain, identified how workers deal with musculoskeletal pain and recognized work-related factors associated with musculoskeletal pain in 23 commercial construction workers. Workers answered a survey about musculoskeletal pain, pain severity, functional limitations, and perceived exertion at work (Borg RPE scale). Eighty-six percent reported acute musculoskeletal pain and 24% chronic pain in the last 12 months. Among those reporting acute pain, 67% sought treatment from a healthcare professional, 64% had prescribed medication, and 39% modified their work habits to handle pain at work. About 80% of the workers reporting chronic pain sought healthcare treatment, had prescribed medication, and modified their work habits to manage pain. Almost 60% of the participants experienced pain in the last seven days. Among them, 46% reported moderate pain in their legs or knees, 31% in their low back, and 23% severe pain in their arms, shoulders, or hands. The assessment of the functional limitations indicated they experienced moderate to severe limitations in performing activities of daily living (ADLs). The logistic regression models suggested a direct relationship between workers’ work physical exertion and their Body Mass Index (BMI) with the occurrence of musculoskeletal pain. Construction workers are dealing with acute and chronic pain at work that negatively impacts their work and ADLs. Work-related and individual factors such as work physical exertion and BMI seem to play a significant role in the presence of acute and chronic pain associated with MSDs. This study’s findings can help guide sustainable ergonomic interventions and future research to alleviate acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain while promoting workers’ health and wellbeing in the construction industry.