Association between chronic neck pain, disability, and Physical Activity among Healthcare Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND: Chronic neck pain is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition among healthcare workers, often contributing to absenteeism, reduced productivity, and career dissatisfaction. Despite their vulnerability due to high occupational demands, the relationship between neck pain, disability, and lifestyle factors such as physical activity remains insufficiently explored in this group. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the association between chronic neck pain, disability, and physical activity levels among healthcare workers. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among healthcare workers at Prince Sultan Military Medical City. Participants completed a structured questionnaire that included demographic and health data, the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) for pain intensity, the Neck Disability Index (NDI) for disability, the extended Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analyses were performed. RESULTS: Thirty healthcare workers (83% female) from multiple professions participated. The mean chronic neck pain score was 5.10 (SD = 1.81), and the mean NDI score was 20.25 (SD = 9.73). A high physical activity level was reported by 70% of participants. Significant correlations were observed: a moderate positive correlation between neck pain and disability (r = 0.64, p < 0.01) and a fair positive correlation between neck pain and physical activity (r = 0.45, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Chronic neck pain appears prevalent among healthcare workers and is moderately associated with disability. Interestingly, higher pain levels were also correlated with higher physical activity, warranting further investigation. Given the small sample size, findings should be interpreted cautiously. Larger, longitudinal studies are recommended to understand risk factors better and to guide preventive and occupational health strategies.