Headaches and neck pain in farmers

Aust J Rural Health. 1997 Feb;5(1):2-5. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1584.1997.tb00226.x.

Abstract

The prevalence of headache and neck pain in farmers was determined by use of a questionnaire. Information about activities which increased the symptoms and about the treatments sought was also recorded. Results showed that 77.7% of farmers experienced neck pain and 79.2% experienced headache. Driving a tractor was the activity which was most frequently described as increasing symptoms in both conditions. While driving a tractor, farmers are exposed to whole-body vibration and assume a rotated neck posture. The contribution of these factors to the development of headache and neck pain is discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Agricultural Workers' Diseases / etiology*
  • Headache / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neck Pain / etiology*
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • South Australia
  • Surveys and Questionnaires