Work-related musculoskeletal disorders among upholsterers in Poland

Background: The number of individuals with work-related musculoskeletal disorders is increasing in Poland. Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to analyze and evaluate pain symptoms among upholsterers and to compare these ailments with a group of employees who do not perform physical work, as well as to examine the associations between pain intensity and frequency with age, length of employment, and somatic characteristics in both research groups.Materials and methods: Ninety-four men were examined, including 50 upholsterers and 44 non-physical workers, who were the control group. Pain location was assessed using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, pain intensity lower back was measured using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and the frequency of lower back pain was determined using the Jackson-Moskowitz Scale. Participants also provided information regarding their age, length of employment, and education. Body mass and height were measured.Results: Among the study participants, 94% of the upholsterers and 73% of the control group experienced pain in at least one area of the body. The largest percentage of the study participants from both groups reported pain in the lower back. Upholsterers experienced pain in their elbow joints and hands/wrists significantly more often than control group. The control group experienced pain in the upper back, neck, and hip joints significantly more often than upholsters. Significant positive correlations were found between age, length of employment, and the results of the VAS and Jackson-Moskowitz Scale in both groups.Conclusions: The locations of pain complaints in the group of upholsterers and in the group of employees who do not perform physical work differ. In both groups, lower back pain predominates. Working as an upholsterer promotes pain in the elbow joints, and wrists/hands. Performing mental and mixed work is associated with neck, upper back and hips/thighs pain. Future studies should aim to assess the prevalence and analyze the risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders.