Association of Occupational Risk Factors with the Level of Lumbar Disc Nucleus Pulposus Herniation

Background: Lumbar disc nucleus pulposus herniation causes functional and life quality impairment. Objective: To evaluate the association of various occupations with increased risk of lumbar disc herniation. Study Design: Retrospective study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Neurosurgery, Shaikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore from 1st June 2011 to 3oth June 2020. Methodology: Eighty patients between 30-60 years were enrolled after complete examination and lumbar disc herniation (nucleus pulposus) diagnosis. Variable including occupations type, working hours, clinical history were noted. Results: There were 86% males and 13.8% females. The mean age of patients was 51 +/- 7.3 years. Majority of patients were either educationist or office worker with 28.75% those who were lifting weight >10 kg by bending forward flexion at >90 degrees. The working hours of 65% was >8 hours daily. Conclusion: Occupations with greater sitting, bending and weight lifting activities are risky and can result in lumbar disc nucleus pulposus herniation.

Automated summary

This retrospective study evaluated 80 patients aged 30-60 years and found that educationists and office workers are the main occupational groups at risk for lumbar disc herniation. Lifting weights greater than 10 kg while bending forward was identified as an important factor leading to lumbar disc nucleus pulposus herniation.