Upper and lower musculoskeletal back pain, stress, physical activity, and organisational work support: An exploratory study of police investigative interviewers

Abstract

Police investigative interviewers in special victims’ units have particularly stressing work conditions. Being few in numbers, with highly specialised competence, the health and well-being of this workgroup are key. This study explores the prevalence of muscular lower and upper back pain and stress and associations with physical activity and organisational work support among 77 police investigators. The police investigative interviewers reported high levels of physical activity. Compared to other police employees, they reported similar levels of musculoskeletal back pain, higher levels of upper back pain, and higher levels of stress. Physical activity was not related to musculoskeletal back pain. In the regression analysis, musculoskeletal back pain was negatively associated with organisational work support. Limitations due to low statistical power and a cross-sectional design apply. However, the study provides interesting insight into the prevalence of musculoskeletal back pain and its association with organisational work support and stress among police employees.

Resolving Specific Psychological Stressors Can Instantly Reduce or Relieve Chronic Neck Pain and Upper Back Pain: Case Reports

“…For example, a recent study investigated the prevalence of upper and lower back pain among police officers, concluding a notable link between stress and back pain. The study further noted that certain work-related stress correlated with pain in the upper back which was not associated with lower back pain [2]. There is also evidence that specific types of traumas can be linked to specific illnesses.…”

“…It is well-documented that psychological stress (defined here as negative emotions) is linked to increased illness, including cervicalgia (neck pain) and thoracic back pain [1] [2]. Conversely, research has shown that positive emotions such as optimism and emotional vitality can promote health and longevity [3] [4] [5].…”

Physical Activity, Occupational Stress, and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Law Enforcement Officers

“…However, when sustained over time, the experience of stress can lead to adverse mental and physical health outcomes. Indeed, psychological stress has been associated with several disorders in LEOs, including sleep disorders, 11 emotional exhaustion, 12 depressive symptoms, 13,14 musculoskeletal pain, 15,16 migraine, 16 and poor general physical health 14 . Interestingly, stress is also believed to be related to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and related risk factors 17 .…”