Factores de riesgo, prevalencia y estrategias de intervención del dolor lumbar inespecífico en trabajadores de minería a cielo abierto: revisión sistemática con síntesis narrativa (2020–2025)

Abstract

Nonspecific low back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders in the workplace and represents a significant problem in open-pit mining due to the high physical demands, exposure to biomechanical risk factors, and organizational conditions inherent to this activity, resulting in functional limitations and affecting workers’ performance (Safiri et al., 2020; GBD 2019 Ageing Collaborators, 2022). Objective: To identify the risk factors, prevalence, and intervention strategies for nonspecific low back pain among open-pit mining workers based on scientific literature published between 2020 and 2025. Methodology: A systematic literature review with narrative synthesis was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect using MeSH/DeCS descriptors related to low back pain, mining, and occupational risk factors. Studies were selected according to the PICOS criteria, and their methodological quality was assessed using the STROBE and PRISMA checklists, according to the design of each study. Due to the heterogeneity of the included studies, a meta-analysis was not feasible. Results: The review identified a high prevalence of low back pain among mining workers, with reported rates exceeding 50% for the lumbar region and a high frequency of musculoskeletal disorders. The main risk factors identified were whole-body vibration, prolonged or awkward postures, extended working hours, and psychosocial factors, particularly occupational stress. Intervention strategies were primarily focused on ergonomic measures, although evidence regarding their effectiveness remains limited. Conclusion: Nonspecific low back pain in open-pit mining is a multifactorial occupational health problem that requires comprehensive preventive strategies within the framework of Occupational Safety and Health, incorporating interventions targeting both physical and psychosocial factors and strengthening the scientific evidence on effective interventions in this context.