Prevalence of Neck Pain and Functional Disability and Its Association With Working Hours Among Aestheticians

Usama Javed; Mahnoor Shafi; Rahat Ayub; Maida Mushtaq; Amtullah Ansari; Ambreen Shafique

doi:10.61919/b10e6503

Authors

Usama Javed School of Health Sciences, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan Author
Mahnoor Shafi Lecturer, School of Health Sciences, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan Author
Rahat Ayub Assistant Professor, School of Health Sciences, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan Author
Maida Mushtaq Lecturer, School of Health Sciences, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan Author
Amtullah Ansari Lecturer, School of Health Sciences, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan Author
Ambreen Shafique School of Health Sciences, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61919/b10e6503

Keywords:

Aestheticians, Neck Pain, Functional Disability, Working Hours, Neck Disability Index, Occupational Health, Musculoskeletal Disorders.

Abstract

Background: Neck pain is a common occupational musculoskeletal problem among aestheticians because their work frequently involves sustained neck flexion, forward head posture, repetitive upper-limb activity, prolonged static positioning, and extended working hours. These exposures may contribute not only to pain but also to functional limitations affecting daily and professional activities. Objective: To determine the prevalence of neck pain and functional disability among aestheticians and to examine their association with daily working hours. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 103 aestheticians working in aesthetic clinics, salons, and beauty-related settings in Lahore, Pakistan. Participants were recruited using non-probability convenience sampling. Demographic and occupational data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Neck pain severity was assessed using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale, and functional disability was assessed using the Neck Disability Index. Associations between working-hour categories and neck pain severity and functional disability were analyzed using Pearson’s chi-square test in SPSS version 26, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Moderate neck pain was reported by 61 participants (59.2%), severe neck pain by 32 (31.1%), and mild neck pain by 10 (9.7%). Functional disability was mild in 17 participants (16.5%), moderate in 32 (31.1%), severe in 32 (31.1%), and complete in 22 (21.4%). Daily working hours were significantly associated with neck pain severity, χ²(4) = 36.525, p < 0.001, Cramer’s V = 0.421, and functional disability, χ²(6) = 49.283, p < 0.001, Cramer’s V = 0.489. Conclusion: Neck pain and functional disability were highly prevalent among aestheticians, with longer working hours associated with greater pain severity and disability. Ergonomic education, posture correction, scheduled breaks, and workplace modifications may help reduce the occupational burden of neck-related symptoms.

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