Subjectively assessed occupational and individual parameters as risk factors for trapezius myalgia

Potential risk factors for trapezius myalgia were assessed subjectively by thirty female workers during the first year of employment at a plant with stereotyped manual work. An interview and a clinical examination were performed every 10th week to record perceived neck and shoulder load at work and in the leisure time together with symptoms and signs of trapezius myalgia. In this way potential risk factors were recorded before development of the disorder. Seventeen subjects contracted trapezius myalgia after 6 to 51 weeks (median = 23 weeks). No background parameter was identified as a risk factor, except for previous work that was perceived as strenuous to the neck and shoulders. Present work postures perceived as strenuous to the neck and shoulders and, to some extent, psychosocial stress at the present plant were also risk factors for trapezius myalgia. Several insignificant potential risk factors became significant after the contraction of patient status.