Neck and Back Pain among Dentists in Erbil City

Abstract

Background and objectives: Work-associated musculoskeletal disorders have become a common phenomenon and can happen over time as a result of exposing to workload repeatedly. Common regions that vulnerable to include Work-associated musculoskeletal disorders the neck and lower back. The objectives of the study were to assess the prevalence, causes, severity, and extent of lower back and neck pain among the dentists in Erbil city. Methods: A cross-sectional study was done among on dentists of three medical universities of Erbil. Data collection was performed using a self-stated questionnaire with items related to socio-demographic characteristics, time in profession, activities performed and work conditions. Results: the results showed that the neck and back pain is prevalent by 55% and 66% respectively. The neck and back pain seems to decrease with the year of experience. Overweight dentists seem to be exposed to neck and back pain more than normal and obese participants. The study also showed that 91% of the participants seem to do no assistive tools to reduce the pain. Individual factors height and weight and work position are important risk factors for neck and back pain. Conclusions: Vast majority of the participants somehow complain from neck and back pain regardless of weight, height and working position. But the pain attenuates with increasing experience. Also, majority of the participants take no assistive tools to reduce neck and back pains.