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°. 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. Key words: Occupational risk, Disc degeneration, Lumbar disc, Nucleus pulposus