Relationship between neck and shoulder pain among computer users working at different organizations of Karachi

Abstract

Objective: To determine the neck and shoulder pain among computer user in different working environment of Karachi. Methodology: It was a cross sectional study. Randomly selection of computer users from different organization of Karachi. The data collected from January 2012 to June 2012. We selected computer users from both gender between 17 to 41 years of age by convenient sampling. Those selected, were subjected had a work experience of about one year using computer for at least two hours. A selfadministered questionnaire was used to determine the computer users' complain of neck and shoulder pain. Results: The greater incidence of pain was found in the shoulder region and participants showed frequent complaints of neck and shoulder pain and their frequency was 116 (33.1%) and 146 (46%). 56.6% participants responded that pain starts when they perform their work. 64.6% participants responded that they keep their neck in bending position and shoulders elevated while using computer. Conclusions: The frequency of shoulder pain is greater than neck pain among computer users. Symptoms increases with the increase contact time with the computer. So the complaints of neck and shoulder pain among computer users of Karachi are much higher as compared to the other countries. Therefore, it is recommended that as ergonomically designed furniture can decrease complaints of pain and occurrence of injuries, increase productivity, improve morale, and decrease work-related musculoskeletal disorders.