Risk factors for the onset of non-specific neck pain: A systematic review

McLean, S. M.; Klaber-Moffett, J.; Sharp, D. M.; McLean, Sionnadh Mairi; May, Stephen; Klaber-Moffett, Jennifer; Sharp, Donald Macfie; Gardiner, Eric

Abstract

Objective Neck pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder, but little is known about which individuals develop neck pain. This systematic review investigated factors that constitute a risk for the onset of non-specific neck pain. Design and setting A range of electronic databases and reference sections of relevant articles were searched to identify appropriate articles. Studies investigating risk factors for the onset of non-specific neck pain in asymptomatic populations were included. All studies were prospective with at least 1 year follow-up. Main results 14 independent cohort studies met the inclusion criteria for the review. Thirteen studies were assessed as high quality. Female gender, older age, high job demands, low social/work support, being an ex-smoker, a history of low back disorders and a history of neck disorders were linked to the development of non-specific neck pain. Conclusions Various clinical and sociodemographic risk factors were identified that have implications for occupational health and health policy. However, there was a lack of good-quality research investigating the predictive nature of many other variables.

Citation

McLean, S. M., May, S., Klaber-Moffett, J., Sharp, D. M., & Gardiner, E. (2010). Risk factors for the onset of non-specific neck pain: A systematic review. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 64(7), 565-572. https://doi.org/10.1136/jech.2009.090720

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Online Publication Date: May 12, 2010
• Publication Date: Jul 1, 2010
• Deposit Date: Nov 13, 2014
• Journal: Journal Of Epidemiology And Community Health
• Print ISSN: 0143-005X
• Electronic ISSN: 1470-2738
• Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 64
• Issue: 7
• Pages: 565-572
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/jech.2009.090720
• Keywords: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health; Epidemiology
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/464958
• Publisher URL: https://jech.bmj.com/content/64/7/565