Association between lower back pain and some inflammatory biomarkers among heavy machinery operators in open-pit mining

Abstract

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders account for 23.1-47.1% of occupational diseases in several countries. Studies have shown that operators of heavy machinery, including tractors and dump trucks, are twice as likely to experience lower back pain compared to workers not exposed to whole-body vibration. Furthermore, research has indicated that acute exposure to vibration can cause vasoconstriction and vascular inflammation. However, limited research has explored the relationship between lower back pain and specific biomarkers, highlighting the need for this study. Aim: This study aimed to compare lower back pain prevalence and muscle inflammation biomarkers among heavy machinery operators. Materials and Methods: A purposive sampling method was used to recruit 15 male participants aged 25-35 years who had worked as heavy machinery drivers for no more than three years. Inclusion criteria were: no alcohol consumption within 24 hours prior to sampling, body mass index (BMI) between 18.5-28.9 kg/m², no prior diagnosis of musculoskeletal disorders, and absence of infectious or non-infectious diseases during the study period. Blood samples were analyzed for Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: The mean BMI of participants was 25.89±3.23 kg/m². Over half (53.3%, n=8) exceeded the exposure limit for whole-body vibration. Low back pain was reported by 13 participants (86.7%) over the past six months and by 12 participants (80%) over the past seven days. TNF-α levels did not differ significantly between groups based on low back pain status or vibration exposure. However, IL-6 levels showed a significant increase 24 hours after whole-body vibration exposure (p=0.027). Conclusion: Lower back pain was highly prevalent among participants exposed to whole-body vibration. Furthermore, IL-6 levels were elevated among participants reporting lower back pain, regardless of vibration exposure levels.