Objective To analyze the relationship between neck pain and the biomechanical characteristics of the upper trapezius muscle among video display terminal (VDT) workers and to provide a theoretical basis for scientific and effective prevention and intervention of neck pain in VDT workers.

Methods VDT workers who underwent occupational health examinations between July 1 and August 31, 2024, were included as study participants. Their neck pain status was assessed, and ultrasound shear wave elastography was used to measure the shear wave velocity and thickness of the upper trapezius muscle. The multivariate logistic regression model was employed to analyze the influencing factors of neck pain.

Results A total of 39 participants were enrolled in the study, among whom 21 VDT workers experienced neck pain, yielding a prevalence of 53.84%. In the neck pain group, the thickness of the left and right upper trapezius muscles was (10.45 ± 2.00) mm and (10.95 ± 1.75) mm, respectively, and the elasticity was (2.48 ± 0.44) m/s and (2.51 ± 0.47) m/s, respectively. The differences in elasticity or thickness between the left and right sides were not statistically significant (both P > 0.05). In the non-neck-pain group, the thickness of the left and right upper trapezius muscles was (12.57 ± 2.37) mm and (12.82 ± 2.25) mm, respectively, and the elasticity was (2.63 ± 0.50) m/s and (2.68 ± 0.41) m/s, respectively. The differences in elasticity or thickness between the left and right sides were also not statistically significant (both P > 0.05). The average muscle thickness and elasticity in the neck-pain group were (10.70 ± 1.77) mm and (2.51 ± 0.44) m/s, respectively, while those in the non-neck-pain group were (12.7 ± 2.23) mm and (2.67 ± 0.42) m/s, respectively. The average thickness of the upper trapezius in the neck-pain group was significantly lower than that in the non-neck-pain group (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that for every 1 mm increase in upper trapezius muscle thickness, the risk of neck pain decreased to 0.445 times (95%CI: 0.228 to 0.870). Compared to workers with VDT work duration of ≤ 8 hours per day, the risk of neck pain in those with VDT work duration > 8 hours per day increased to 6.178 times (95%CI: 1.097 to 34.804).

Conclusions Upper trapezius muscle thickness and VDT work duration may be associated with neck pain among VDT workers. It is recommended that employers reasonably arrange work hours and organize neck muscle exercises to reduce the risk of neck pain and protect the occupational health of VDT workers.