Risk factors for neck and upper limb disorders: results from 24 years of follow up

Objectives-To investigate associations between different potential risk fac tors, related and not related to work, and disorders of the neck and upper extremities occurring up to 24 years later. Methods-The study comprised 252 women and 232 men, Swedish citizens, 42-59 years of age and in a broad range of occupations. Information about potenti al risk factors was available from a former study conducted in 1969. Data o n disorders of the neck, shoulder, and hand-wrist disorders were obtained r etrospectively for the period 1970-93. Results-Risk factors were found to differ between the sexes. Among women ov ertime work, high mental workload, and unsatisfactory leisure time were ass ociated with disorders in the neck-shoulder region. Interaction was found b etween high mental workload and unsatisfactory leisure time. Neck symptoms earlier in life were associated with recurrent disorders. Hand and wrist di sorders were associated mainly with physical demands at work. Among men blu e collar work and a simultaneous presence of high mental workload and addit ional domestic workload predicted disorders in the neck-shoulder region. Conclusions-Factors related and not related to work were associated with di sorders of the neck, shoulders, and hands and wrists up to 24 years later i n life. These included factors related to working hours which previously ha ve not been noted in this context. Interactions between risk factors both r elated and not related to work were commonly found.