Neck Pain is Associated With Working From Home and Reported Postures in Workers Who Frequently Use Computers: A Cross-sectional Survey

OBJECTIVE: To determine factors associated with neck pain in computer workers, focusing on working from home and body postures. METHODS: Workers aged 18-65 who spent ≥75% of working hours on a computer were surveyed online annually over 3 years. Multinomial logistic regression analyzed relationships between pain (neck pain, other musculoskeletal pain, or no pain), work location (work vs. home), and body posture, accounting for factors typically associated with pain. RESULTS: Of 1777 respondents, most (94%, n = 1664) worked some time at home. Sitting posture ('trunk a little bent forward'; OR 2.07; 95% CI 1.48-2.89), working from home (3.32; 2.43-4.52), being female (5.49; 3.99-7.56), and sleep quality (4.08; 2.32-7.18) were associated with neck pain ( P < 0.001), and other pain ( P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: These findings underscore the need for ergonomic guidelines and interventions that address posture in home and office environments.