Longitudinal study on work related and individual risk factors affecting radiating neck pain

Objectives-To study the effects of work related and individual factors affe cting radiating neck pain. Methods-A longitudinal study was carried out with repeated measurements. A total of 5180 Finnish forest industry workers replied to a questionnaire su rvey in 1992 (response rate 75%). Response rates to follow up questionnaire s in 1993, 1994, and 1995 were 83%, 77%, and 90%, respectively. The outcome variable was the number of days with radiating neck pain during the preced ing 12 months with three levels (<8, 8-30, > 30 days). The generalised esti mating equations method was used to fit a marginal model and a transition m odel was used in a predictive analysis. Results-Items showing associations with radiating neck pain in both analyse s were sex, age, body mass index, smoking, duration of work with a hand abo ve shoulder level, mental stress, and other musculoskeletal pains. In the t ransition model, radiating neck pain in a previous questionnaire was includ ed in the model. Although it was a strong predictor, the variables already mentioned retained their significance. Conclusion-Programmes targeted to reduce physical load at work, mental stre ss, being overweight, and smoking could potentially prevent radiating neck pain.