The Role of Burnout Dimensions, Job Stress, and Work–Life Balance in Multisite Musculoskeletal Pain Among Academicians in Türkiye: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Burnout is common among academicians and is linked to both mental and physical health problems. However, its connection to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) is not well understood. This study aimed to investigate how burnout, job stress, and work–life balance are related to multisite musculoskeletal pain in academicians. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 99 academicians at Yalova University completed validated instruments assessing MSDs, burnout, work-related stress, and work–life balance. The study employed a voluntary convenience sampling method and included academicians who agreed to participate. Data were analysed using correlation and ordinal regression analysis. Results: The one-year prevalence of MSDs was 88.9% and most commonly involved the neck, lower back, and upper back. While overall burnout scores were not significantly related to the number of painful regions, the number of painful regions was positively correlated with job stress and computer usage and negatively with work–life balance and personal accomplishment (p < 0.05). Ordinal regression analysis showed that job stress, computer usage, and impaired work–life balance were associated with greater multisite pain burden (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Although overall burnout was not associated with multisite musculoskeletal pain, psychosocial factors such as job stress and work–life balance were significantly related to multisite pain. These findings suggest that occupational stress may be linked to physical health outcomes before the full manifestation of burnout develops. Addressing job stress and work–life balance may help reduce MSDs among academicians.