I just started a job as an over-the-road trucker. I drive about 60 hours/week. I have a history of back pain off and on. I’m wondering if there’s any research showing truck drivers have more back pain than other occupations.

A study from the early 1980s reported back pain in about 66 percent of truck driver. This is less than the average of 80 percent in the general adult population. A more recent study in 2000 reported a 50 percent rate of back pain in over-the-road truck drivers. The reduced rate may be attributed to improved seat design in today’s modern trucks.

Fatigue, vibrations, and prolonged sitting are risk factors for back pain in truck drivers. There may be muscle or tendon damage rather than structural changes to the discs or spine. Drivers who are unhappy with their jobs are at increased risk for back pain.