ASSOCIATION BETWEEN REMOTE WORKING AND BACK PAIN: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Natalia Górska; Maciej Jakubiec; Emilia Gąsiorowska; Anna Wawrzeczko; Angelika Jankowska; Magdalena Gostół; Katarzyna Wójtowicz; Gabriela Deska; Aleksandra Lewczuk

doi:10.31435/ijitss.2(50).2026.5171

Authors

Natalia Górska American Heart of Poland, Ustroń, Silesia, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0009-7511-222X
Maciej Jakubiec Beskidzkie Centrum Onkologii – Municipal Hospital of John Paul II in Bielsko-Biala, Bielsko-Biala, Silesia, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0009-3408-3354
Emilia Gąsiorowska Stefan Cardinal Wyszyński Provincial Specialist Hospital SPZOZ in Lublin, Lublin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0007-0371-995X
Anna Wawrzeczko Beskidzkie Centrum Onkologii – Municipal Hospital of John Paul II in Bielsko-Biala, Bielsko-Biala, Silesia, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0000-0329-150X
Angelika Jankowska Independent Public Voivodeship Integrated Hospital in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-3002-7028
Magdalena Gostół District Health Center in Otwock, Otwock, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-3987-3818
Katarzyna Wójtowicz Dolnośląskie Centrum Onkologii, Pulmonologii i Hematologii, Wrocław, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0002-3349-8610
Gabriela Deska Dolnośląskie Centrum Onkologii, Pulmonologii i Hematologii, Wrocław, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-3076-7814
Aleksandra Lewczuk Szpital Wojewódzki w Bielsku-Białej, Bielsko-Biała, Silesia, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0008-7692-197X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.2(50).2026.5171

Keywords:

Remote Working, Teleworking, Low Back Pain, Health Impacts, Musculoskeletal Pain, COVID-19

Abstract

The rapid transition remote work (work from home, WFH) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns regarding its impact on employees’ physical health, significantly altering the occupational environment for millions of workers and students (Dos Santos et al., 2021; Papalia et al., 2022; Pierce et al., 2020; Symanzik et al., 2023). This systematic review synthesizes available evidence on the association between WFH and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), with particular emphasis on back pain (including cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions), identifying key risk factors and potential protective measures (Dos Santos et al., 2021; Papalia et al., 2022; Russo et al., 2021; Saes-Silva et al., 2023). The findings indicate an increased prevalence of low back and neck pain, frequently associated with by a combination of biomechanical, environmental, and psychosocial factors (Ambrosio et al., 2023; Dos Santos et al., 2021; Moretti et al., 2020; Papalia et al., 2022; Symanzik et al., 2023). Following PRISMA guidelines, cross-sectional and review studies were analyzed, revealing increased pain prevalence in lumbar (up to 41.2%) and cervical (23.5%) regions, linked to poor ergonomics and psychosocial stress (Ambrosio et al., 2023; Moretti et al., 2020; Papalia et al., 2022). Key risk factors include non-ergonomic setups and prolonged sitting, while physical activity offers protection (Chim & Chen, 2023; Dos Santos et al., 2021; Saes-Silva et al., 2023; Symanzik et al., 2023). Interventions like regular physical activity and the use of ergonomic furniture (e.g., external keyboards, adjustable chairs) were found to be beneficial in reducing pain symptoms (Dos Santos et al., 2021; Russo et al., 2021; Symanzik et al., 2023). To mitigate these effects, it is essential to implement preventive measures focusing on ergonomic education, the provision of adequate home-office equipment, and the promotion of regular movement breaks and physical exercise (Ambrosio et al., 2023; Dos Santos et al., 2021; Russo et al., 2021; Symanzik et al., 2023).

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