The Hidden Health Cost of Long Hours Behind the Wheel
Government bus drivers keep our cities and towns connected, but this essential work takes a serious toll on their bodies. Our research, published in the International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health in 2018, studied 310 KSRTC bus drivers in Mangalore to understand just how widespread musculoskeletal problems are in this occupation. The results were striking — 85% of the drivers suffered from back pain, and 47% reported cervical (neck) pain. These are not minor aches; for many drivers, the pain was severe enough to affect their daily lives and ability to work.
The Link Between Driving Hours and Health Problems
Our study found a clear connection between the number of hours spent driving and the severity of pain. Drivers who logged longer shifts experienced worse symptoms. But musculoskeletal pain was not the only concern. We also discovered that 35.8% of the drivers had hypertension (high blood pressure) and 7.7% had diabetes. These conditions, when combined with chronic pain and the stress of navigating busy roads for hours on end, create a compounding health burden. Many drivers were managing multiple health issues simultaneously, often without adequate medical support.
What This Means for Occupational Health
These findings highlight an important truth that applies well beyond bus drivers — prolonged sitting, repetitive strain, and lack of movement during working hours can damage your health over time. Whether you drive for a living, work at a desk, or stand in one position all day, your body needs regular movement and care. At Arise Medical Centre, we see patients from all walks of life dealing with pain, stiffness, and the early signs of chronic disease linked to their work habits. Our approach focuses on identifying these risk factors early and helping patients make practical changes to protect their long-term health.
This article is based on a peer-reviewed research paper by Dr. K S Premlal and colleagues. View all publications (PDF)