Health care utilization and workplace interventions for neck and upper limb problems among newspaper workers

Data on the use of various therapeutic interventions among working populati ons at risk for musculoskeletal disorders are rare, despite the need for su ch information in assessing adherence to best practices. Using the results of a cross-sectional survey of newspaper workers who reported neck and uppe r limb pain or discomfort (n = 309), we describe the prevalence of a wide r ange of clinical and workplace interventions. information/education, exerci ses, and physical treatments were the most common interventions, and work c hanges were less prevalent. Those with more frequent, longer-duration and/o r more severe symptoms more commonly reported visits to physiotherapists an d health practitioners at work and use of physical treatments, medications, and devices. The multiplicity of interventions used pose evaluation challe nges for occupational health practitioners and researchers.