“The Effect of Postural Education on Decreasing the Severity of Neck Pain in Female School Teachers: A Prospective Cohort Study”

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal Disorders includes a wide range of inflammatory and degenerative conditions affecting the muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves, bones and joints and it can occur from a single or cumulative trauma. Pain and physical disability brought about by MSD affects social functioning and mental health, further diminishing the teacher’s quality of life . A systematic review published in biomed central shows the prevalence of work related musculoskeletal disorders to be 39 % - 95 % in school teachers. Neck pain is reported to be 7th most prevalent pain site which is 68.9 % prevalent in school teacher. OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to find out the effect of postural education on decreasing the severity of neck pain in female school teachers. METHODS: 180 female primary and secondary school teachers aged 25 – 35years were conveniently selected for the study. Baseline survey: Teachers were asked to note down their neck pain using NPRS & NDI. Postural education programme : teachers received a lecture based on ergonomic training and occupational health education. Follow up survey : After 3months teachers were asked to note down their level of neck pain using NPRS & NDI after following the protocol. There were 20 drop outs in the study. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in mean values of NPRS in baseline and follow up 25.44 – 17.6 respectively also NDI mean values 25.11 - 21.16 baseline and follow up respectively. After the intervention, teachers found the postural education programme to be effective in reducing the neck pain. CONCLUSION: Interventions based on occupational health education lectures, on-site ergonomics training, publicity brochures and posters showed a positive effect on prevention and control of the occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in teachers. KEYWORDS: Neck pain, Work related musculoskeletal disorders, Postural education.