Risk factors for surgically treated cervical spondylosis in male construction workers: a 20-year prospective study

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Degenerative changes due to cervical spondylosis (CS) can detrimentally affect work ability and quality of life yet understanding of how physical exposure affects disease progression is limited.PURPOSE: To assess the associations between occupational physical exposures and occurrence of surgically treated cervical spondylosis (ST-CS) and early exit from the labor market via disability pension. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Prospective register study with 20 years follow-up period.PATIENT SAMPLE: Swedish construction workers participating in a national health surveillance project conducted between 1971 and 1993.OUTCOME MEASURES: Surgically treated cervical spondylosis (ST-CS) and early labor market exit at a minimum rate of 25% time on disability pension.METHODS: Associations between occupational physical exposures (job exposure matrix) and subsequent ST-CS (National Hospital in-patient register) and early labor market exit via disability pension (Swedish Social Insurance Agency register) were assessed in a cohort of male construction workers (n=237,699).RESULTS: A total of 1381 ST-CS cases were present and a 20 years incidence rate of 35.1 cases per 100,000 person years (95% confidence interval (CI) 33.2-36.9). Increased relative risk (RR) for STCS was found for workers exposed to non-neutral (RR 1.40, 95% CI 1.15-1.69), and awkward neck postures (1.52, 1.19-1.95), working with the hands above shoulder height (1.30, 1.06-1.60), and high upper extremity loading (1.35, 1.15-1.59). Increased risk was also present for workers who reported frequent neck (3.06, 2.18-4.30) and upper back (3.84, 2.57-5.73) pain in the 12 months prior to survey. Among workers with elevated arm exposure, higher risk was seen in those who also had more frequent neck pain. ST-CS cases took early retirement more often (41.3%) and at a younger age (53 years) than the total study cohort (14.8% and 56 years of age, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Occupational exposure to non-neutral neck postures, work with hands above shoulders and high loads born through the upper extremities increased the risk for ST-CS and early retirement due to disability. Decreasing postural and load exposure is salient for primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention of CS. Neck pain was shown to be a prognostic factor for ST-CS, which stresses the importance of acting early and taking preventative action to reduce workplace exposure, and the need for systematic medical check-ups within primary or occupational care to mitigate disease progression and early labour market exit due to disability.& COPY; 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc., This is an open access article under the CC BY license.

Automated summary

A 20-year follow-up study found that occupational physical exposures are associated with surgically treated cervical spondylosis (ST-CS) and early exit from the labor market. Non-neutral neck postures, working with hands above shoulders, and high upper extremity loading increase the risk of ST-CS. Early retirement and frequent neck and upper back pain are associated with ST-CS. It is important to reduce postural and load exposure for the prevention of CS.