Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) represent one of the most prevalent causes of work-related illness, prolonged sick leave and long-term disability, and are recognized as the second leading cause of disability globally. Among MSDs, neck pain is a major occupational health concern, particularly among intensive computer users. It is estimated to affect approximately 34.4% of office workers every year worldwide, with global prevalence ranging from 16.7% to 75.1% in the adult population. The cervical spine has a natural C-shaped lordosis that supports the head but is least protected, making it vulnerable to postural stress. Sustained static postures, forward head positioning, prolonged computer use and psychosocial stress contribute to neck pain disorder (NPD). In India, the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE) are two premier financial institutions regulated by SEBI. Stockbrokers, also known as investment advisors, form the backbone of the financial system by connecting investors to markets. Their job demands continuous sitting in front of trading terminals from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., involving high physical and mental demands. Extended computer use in brokerage offices has been linked to discomfort in neck, shoulder, back and hand. Despite this high-risk profile, there is a significant dearth of research on musculoskeletal pain in this occupational group in India. Hence, this study was undertaken as a baseline investigation.

Method: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted at Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), Mumbai, Maharashtra. A total of 355 stock market brokers were recruited using purposive sampling after obtaining institutional ethical approval and written informed consent. Inclusion criteria were: stockbrokers working at BSE Mumbai, age 30-50 years, more than one year of work experience, minimum 6 hours of daily computer work and ability to comprehend English. Exclusion criteria were: history of cervical spine surgery, neurological, musculoskeletal condition other than neck pain or cardiovascular conditions, traumatic history, congenital disorders, cervical radiculopathy and non-cooperative participants. The study was conducted in two phases. Phase 1 screened all participants using the standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire for 12-month and 7-day prevalence of neck pain. Phase 2 assessed participants reporting neck pain (n=281) for functional disability using the Neck Disability Index (NDI). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics in Microsoft Excel with results presented as frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, pie charts, bar graphs and histogram.

Results: Out of 355 respondents, majority were males 63.1% (n=224) compared to females 36.9% (n=131), reflecting gender demographics of the profession. Mean age was 41.9 ±5.83 years, with largest age group 41-45 years 34.9% (n=124), followed by 46-50 years 30.1% (n=107). Majority reported working 6 hours per day 54.9% (n=195) and 7 hours 44.8% (n=159) in static posture. The 12-month incidence of neck pain was 79.15% (n=281) and 20.8% (n=74) reported no neck pain. Among those with neck pain (n=281), the mean NDI score was 25.31% indicating moderate disability on average, median was 24%. Disability distribution was: mild disability 30.9% (n=87), moderate disability 65.8% (n=185), severe disability 3.2% (n=9), with no participants in crippled or bed-bound categories. Histogram of NDI scores showed distribution centred around moderate range (20-40%) with peak at 20-25%. Gender-wise analysis showed moderate disability as most common in both genders (males n=125, females n=60), severe disability was observed in 3 males and 6 females, suggesting slightly higher functional impairment in females when affected.