Influence of the type of load on the cervical spine: a study on Congolese bearers

Background context Cervical spine suffers degenerative changes with age and activity. Purpose The aim is to study the cervical spine of African head bearers by analyzing clinical changes and radiographic degenerative signs in comparison with a control group. Study design Two groups of bearers, 28 bearers of heavy loads (50 to 60 kg) over short stretches and 33 bearers who carried bundles or lighter loads (30 to 35 kg) over long distances were clinically and radiographically examined and compared with a control group of 36 building industry workers who did not bear weights on their heads. Methods We noted the age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), weight of load, years they had been working, width and length of the neck and any painful symptoms. We carried out a functional exploration of the cervical spine and a lateral radiograph of the cervical spine to assess degenerative changes and quantified the degenerative changes in the vertebral bodies and the discs. The angle of lordosis was measured. Results We found more prolapsed discs (p Conclusion Load bearing on the head, particularly bearers of heavy loads, produced more radiographic degenerative signs, much stiffness in the neck and more reported pain than the control group.