Prevalence and Risk Factors for Neck and Upper Limb Musculoskeletal Disabilities Among Postpartum Women

Background: Postpartum women often experience musculoskeletal pain due to physiological and biomechanical changes during pregnancy and childbirth, which can result in disability. This study assessed the prevalence of neck and upper limb pain and disability in postpartum women, as well as the factors associated with these conditions. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to collect data from postpartum women through an online self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire included items on the demographic variables, the Nordic Musculoskeletal Symptoms Questionnaire, the Neck Disability Index, the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scale, as well as the Pain Intensity Numeric Rating Scale. Results: Among a sample of 400 postpartum women aged 20–50 years, 82.5% reported experiencing pain in at least one part of their upper body. Neck pain was the most prevalent (65.5%), followed by pain in the shoulders (63.3%), arms (58.3%), and hands (57.0%). Cesarean section delivery and moderate-to-severe pain intensity were identified as significant risk factors for developing mild disability among women who reporting neck pain. Upper limb pain and being aged 41–50 years were significant risk factors for mild disabilities among postpartum women. Conclusions: Disability was prevalent among the sample of postpartum women, highlighting the importance of healthcare providers in addressing this issue.