Prevalence of Neck Pain and Its Association with Ergonomic Risk Factors among Office Workers

Background: Neck pain is one of the most common work-related musculoskeletal disorders among office workers and is associated with substantial functional limitations, reduced work productivity, and impaired quality of life. Prolonged computer use, sustained static postures, repetitive occupational activities, and poor workstation ergonomics are recognized occupational risk factors for the development and persistence of neck pain. Objective: To determine the prevalence of neck pain and examine its association with ergonomic risk factors among office workers. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 267 office workers at Nishat Mills Ltd., Lahore, Pakistan, using a convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire comprising demographic information, the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), the Neck Disability Index (NDI), and the Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics summarized participant characteristics and prevalence estimates, while binary logistic regression analysis identified factors associated with neck pain. Results: Among the 267 office workers, 50.2% reported neck pain during the previous 12 months. Binary logistic regression analysis identified ergonomic risk (ROSA score) as the strongest independent predictor of neck pain (p < 0.001; OR = 0.703), while body mass index was also significantly associated with the outcome (p = 0.015; OR = 0.673). Age, gender, and Neck Disability Index scores were not significantly associated with neck pain (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Office workers exhibited a high prevalence of neck pain, and ergonomic risk emerged as the strongest factor associated with the condition. Poor workplace ergonomics emerged as the principal factor associated with neck pain, emphasizing the need for targeted ergonomic interventions, workstation modifications, and preventive occupational health strategies to reduce the burden of work-related neck disorders and improve employee well-being and workplace productivity.