The results of a questionnaire completed by 528 office workers indicate that such individuals frequently complain of neck pain (52.5%) and back pain (53%). Furthermore, the researchers found that work environment variables that significantly affected musculoskeletal pain include sitting at the desk for a long time, sitting on a chair that only supported the lumbar area and arms, having the computer mouse positioned a distance from the keyboard, continuously looking down while working, holding the arms above the level of the desk, not exercising daily, and having a stressful work environment. The study shows that improving ergonomics and reducing stress could potentially lower the risk of musculoskeletal pain in the office environment.
International Journal of Occupational Medicine Environmental Health, October 2017