Associations of Low Back Pain with Its Ergonomics and Occupational Risk Factors

Abstract

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a leading contributor to occupational disability and reduced productivity, commonly linked to sustained postures, ergonomic constraints, and workload-related exposures in both office and industrial environments. Objective: To determine the association of LBP with ergonomic and occupational risk factors among office and industrial workers in Sialkot, Pakistan. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted among 240 workers recruited through convenience sampling. Demographic and work-related characteristics were recorded using a structured questionnaire, and ergonomic/occupational exposures were assessed using the Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Associations between LBP and risk factors were evaluated using chi-square tests with p<0.05. Results: High proportions of LBP were observed within exposed groups, including poor posture/forward leaning (81.6%), no physical exercise routine (78.3%), prolonged sitting >6 hours/day (73.7%), overtime >10 hours/week (72.9%), and static positioning (71.7). Significant associations were identified for prolonged sitting (p=0.001), poor posture (p=0.001), lack of lumbar support (p=0.007), repetitive movements (p=0.043), static positioning (p=0.002), working >8 hours/day (p=0.001), overtime (p=0.003), no exercise routine (p<0.001), and industrial work (p=0.024). Gender (p=0.033) and work experience (p=0.049) were significant, while age group was not (p=0.074). Conclusion: LBP is significantly associated with multiple ergonomic and occupational exposures in this workforce, supporting the need for targeted ergonomic interventions, workload management, and activity promotion