Prevalence of Neck Pain and Risk of Trapezitis Occuring in Beauticians

Abstract

Background: Beauticians are exposed to sustained neck flexion, prolonged standing, and repetitive upper-limb tasks that may increase neck pain and trapezius muscle overload risk, yet combined profiling of pain severity and ergonomic risk remains limited in local occupational settings. Objective: To determine the prevalence and severity of neck pain and evaluate ergonomic postural risk related to trapezius overload among beauticians in Sialkot, Pakistan, and to assess the association between ergonomic risk and pain severity. Methods: This observational cross-sectional study included 287 male and female beauticians recruited through purposive sampling from beauty salons in Sialkot. Neck pain severity was assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and categorized as no pain, mild, moderate, or severe. Ergonomic postural risk was evaluated using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) and categorized into four action levels. Associations were tested using Pearson chi-square with p<0.05 significance. Results: Neck pain was reported by 94.4% of participants, with 43.6% reporting moderate pain and 28.9% severe pain. Only 11.1% demonstrated acceptable posture, whereas 44.9% required posture change soon and 6.6% required immediate action. Higher RULA risk was strongly associated with higher NPRS severity (χ²(9)=166.79, p<0.001; Cramer’s V=0.44). Conclusion: Neck pain is highly prevalent among beauticians and is significantly associated with elevated ergonomic postural risk, supporting urgent ergonomic modification and preventive rehabilitation strategies