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The role of psychosocial and physical factors in the development of musculoskeletal pain (MSP) has now been clearly demonstrated. However, it is unclear whether these factors contribute to specific regional MSP or to multisite pain. The main goal of this study was to assess the impact of work-related factors according to gender on the development of regional and multisite MSP. A total of 12,591 subjects (65% men and 35% women) who were born in 1938, 1943, 1948, and 1953 and were participating in a French longitudinal prospective epidemiological survey (ESTEV) in 1990 to 1995 were eligible. Personal factors and work exposure were assessed by self-administered questionnaires. Statistical associations between chronic MSP (regional body site or multisite), personal factors, and occupational factors were analyzed using logistic regression modeling. The incidence of regional MSP and multisite pain in 1995 were, respectively, 17% and 25.6%. For women, highly repetitive movements predicted neck/shoulder pain; posture and vibrations predicted arm and low back pain; and effort with tools predicted arm pain. For men, forceful effort and vibrations predicted neck/shoulder pain; posture and forceful effort predicted lower limb and low back pain; and forceful effort and effort with tools predicted arm pain. Physical constraints (ie, forceful effort or vibrations) were associated with multisite pain in both genders. Only for women, psychological factors were risk factors predictive of upper limb pain and in 3 or 4 painful anatomical sites. These results support the hypothesis that some physical and psychological work-related factors are predictive of regional or multisite MSP but differ according to gender. Gender differences and risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal pain should be also taken into account to more effectively target preventive measures., (Copyright © 2014 International Association for the Study of Pain. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The role of psychosocial and physical factors in the development of shoulder pain has now been clearly demonstrated. However, only a few studies have analyzed these associations over time. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of work-related psychological and mechanical factors on chronic shoulder pain. A total of 12,714 subjects (65% men) born in 1938, 1943, 1948, and 1953 participating in a French prospective longitudinal epidemiological investigation in 1990 to 1995 Enquête Santé Travail Et Vieillissement (ESTEV) were included. Clinical examination was performed by 400 trained occupational physicians. Personal factors and work exposure were assessed by self-administered questionnaires. Statistical associations between chronic shoulder pain and personal and occupational factors were analyzed using logistic regression modeling. A total of 1706 subjects experienced chronic shoulder pain in 1990, and 2089 experienced chronic shoulder pain in 1995. The incidence of chronic shoulder pain in 1995 was 11% (n=1355). Forceful effort (odds ratio [OR]=1.24 95% CI [1.05-1.44], awkward posture (OR=1.34 95% CI [1.19-1.52]), decision latitude (OR=1.19 [1.04 to 1.35]), and psychological demand (OR=1.19 95% CI [1.06-1.32]) in 1990 were significantly associated with chronic shoulder pain in 1995, even after adjustment for personal factors and previous shoulder pain status. Awkward posture (OR=1.43 [1.25 to 1.63]), psychological demand (OR=1.24 [1.09 to 1.40]), and decision latitude (OR=1.21 [1.04 to 1.41] work-related factors in 1990 were associated with the development of chronic shoulder pain between 1990 and 1995. These results suggest that awkward posture, forceful effort, job demand, and decision control are predictors of chronic shoulder pain at work. Interventions designed to reduce the incidence of chronic shoulder pain must include both mechanical and psychological factors., (Copyright © 2012 International Association for the Study of Pain. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)