Remote Work on Low Back Pain: Exploring the Impact and Experiences of Office Workers

Abstract

The rapid shift to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic has had significant implications for musculoskeletal health, particularly for individuals managing low back pain (LBP). This manuscript-style thesis includes two complementary studies that explore the relationship between remote work and LBP among office workers. The first is a scoping review synthesizing findings from 55 studies published between January 2020 and June 2023. It identifies key risk factors, including inadequate ergonomic setups, prolonged sedentary behaviour, and psychosocial stressors, alongside notable gaps in employer support and workplace policy. The second study is a qualitative investigation that uses interpretive description to explore the lived experiences of eight remote office workers with chronic LBP. Thematic analysis, guided by the Person-Environment-Occupation (PEO) model, revealed four key themes: 1) Staying Mindful of Management and Prevention Strategies; 2) The Role of Responsive Employers: Flexibility, Resources, and Communication in Supporting Remote Workers with LBP; 3) Adapting the Home Workspace: Ergonomic Challenges and Innovations, and 4) Experiences and Challenges of Chronic Low Back Pain. Together, the findings emphasize the critical role of employer support, individualized self-management strategies, and ergonomic accommodations in maintaining the well-being and productivity of remote workers with chronic LBP. This thesis offers evidence-informed recommendations for employers, policymakers, and health professionals to foster inclusive and health-supportive remote work environments.