Work-related musculoskeletal symptoms among car mechanics: a descriptive study.

A questionnaire concerning musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) and working environment was answered by 100% of 103 car mechanics in 12 different garages. Almost all the mechanics had been troubled with MSS at work the past year. The most common MSS were symptoms from the low back, neck, head and shoulders. When asked which symptoms had been most troublesome at work most mechanics reported symptoms from the low back, upper back, shoulders and neck. Symptoms from the shoulders, low back and upper back were associated with absence from work due to MSS (OR = 4.2, 2.3 and 2.1 respectively). Mechanics between the ages of 30 and 40 reported significantly more shoulder symptoms than both younger and older colleagues (p < 0.001). It seems that symptoms from the back and shoulders restrain car mechanics, work more than any other MSS. The mechanics' most common working postures may contribute to the development of back and shoulder symptoms.