Prevalence and Associated Factors for Thoracic Spine Pain in the Adult Working Population: A Literature Review

Abstract

Spinal pain is a significant occupational health issue. Whilst neck pain and low back pain have received considerable attention, thoracic spinal pain (TSP) has not. The objective of this study was to systematically identify and report the evidence describing the prevalence and correlates of TSP within occupational groups. Methods: This literature review systematically searched for reports of TSP prevalence and associated factors for TSP in working adult cohorts using nine electronic databases. Studies were evaluated for level of evidence and epidemiologic data were narratively synthesised. Results: 52 studies were identified describing 65 cohorts covering manual labourers, office workers, health professionals, manufacturing and industrial workers, drivers, military personnel and performing artists. Prevalence varied with occupational group and time period. One year prevalence of TSP ranged from 3.0-55.0%, with most occupational groups having medians around 30%. Significant odds ratios for individual (concurrent musculoskeletal disorders, exercising, pre-menstrual tension and female gender), general work-related (high work load, high work intensity, perceiving ergonomic problems in the workplace, working in some specialised areas, performing boring/tedious work tasks, certain year levels of study, employment duration, driving specialised vehicles, and a high number of flying hours), physical work-related (manual physiotherapy tasks, climbing stairs and high physical stress) and psychosocial work-related (perceived risk of injury and high mental pressure) factors were reported. Conclusions:The high median prevalence rates suggest TSP may be a significant occupational health problem. The multiple domains of associated factors point to the need for prospective research encompassing these domains to inform targeted occupational interventions. (J Occup Health 2009; 51: 177-192)

Incidence and Risk Factors for Thoracic Spine Pain in the Working Population: The French Pays de la Loire Study

“…The increased risk of TSP with age (in men) agreed with previous studies (1,(13)(14)(15). Tall men are known to be at greater risk of LBP (17), but to our knowledge, such an association has not previously been reported for TSP in the working population.…”

“…Epidemiologic findings mainly concern low back pain (LBP) and neck pain, but information on thoracic spine pain (TSP) in the working population is sparse (1)(2)(3). TSP is defined as spinal pain extending from the cervicothoracic hinge (C7-T1) to the thoracolumbar junction (T12-L1).…”

“…Several workrelated risk factors, such as high physical workload, monotonous work, and specific occupations (e.g., pilots), have been reported in highly exposed workers (1).…”

Is Physical Inactivity Associated With Musculoskeletal Disorders?

“…[20,21] Bizim çalışmamızda da olgularımızda yaşam boyu herhangi bir dönemde, son 12 ay içinde ve son bir ay içinde en sık kas iskelet sistemi yakınmaları bel, sırt ve boyun bölgelerinde bulunmuştur. Benzer şekilde Başkurt ve ark.nın, [5] Türkiye'deki öğretmenler örnekleminde kas iskelet sistemi rahatsızlık profilini inceledikleri çalışmada, son 12 ayda en sık kas iskelet sistemi bulgularının görüldüğü bölgeler olarak bel, sırt ve boyun bildirilmiştir.…”

One-year Incidence and Risk Factors of Thoracic Spine Pain in Undergraduate Students

“…Thoracic spine pain can be equally disabling, imposing similar burdens on the individual, community, and workforce [11][12][13] . Evidence suggests a high prevalence of thoracic spine pain among undergraduate students, ranging from 13-39% 14,15) .…”