Impact of Low Back Pain Among it Professionals – A Systemic Review

Background: Back pain is a widespread occupational health issue affecting millions globally, with a particularly high prevalence among Information Technology (IT) professionals. The sedentary nature of IT jobs, prolonged computer usage, poor ergonomic practices, and work-related stress significantly contribute to the incidence of back pain in this demographic. This review explores the prevalence, risk factors, consequences, and potential interventions to mitigate back pain among IT workers, drawing from various studies, health surveys, and occupational health reports.  Objective: The aim of this systematic review is to examine the prevalence of back pain among Information Technology (IT) workers and assess its impact on their quality of life. Given the sedentary and ergonomically demanding nature of IT jobs, the review also seeks to identify key risk factors contributing to the onset of back pain in this population, and to evaluate how these musculoskeletal complaints affect physical, psychological, and occupational well-being.Methods: Inclusion criteria involved observational studies (cross-sectional, cohort, and case-control) that reported on the prevalence and impact of back pain among IT professionals. Exclusion criteria included non-English language papers, studies not specific to IT workers, and those not assessing quality of life outcomes. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two reviewers using PRISMA guidelines. The findings were synthesized narratively, highlighting the most frequently reported causes, severity, and functional limitations due to back pain. Results: Out of the 1,218 records initially identified, 21 studies met the inclusion criteria. Reported prevalence of back pain among IT workers ranged from 45% to 70%, with lower back pain being the most commonly reported type. Contributing factors included prolonged sitting, poor ergonomic setups, lack of physical activity, and psychosocial stress. Most studies reported a moderate to severe impact on physical functioning, work productivity, and mental well-being. Quality of life assessments using tools like the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), SF-36, and WHOQOL-BREF consistently indicated decreased scores among affected individuals. Conclusion: Back pain is highly prevalent among IT workers and has a significant negative impact on their quality of life. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted workplace interventions, including ergonomic adjustments, regular physical activity, and mental health support. Future longitudinal studies are recommended to explore the long-term effects of occupational back pain and evaluate the effectiveness of multidisciplinary intervention strategies.