Prevalence of Neck Pain in Dental Surgeons

Abstract

Background: Cervical pain, or cervicalgia, is increasingly recognized as a significant occupational hazard among dental surgeons. The demands of dental practice, including prolonged static postures and repetitive motions, have been implicated in the development of musculoskeletal disorders, with a notable impact on the cervical spine. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of cervical pain among dental surgeons and identify associated risk factors, focusing on the impact of work-related postures. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 90 dental surgeons from June to December 2022, employing non-probability convenience sampling. Participants were recruited from Farooq Hospital (Westwood branch), Akhtar Saeed Medical and Dental College, and Fatima Memorial Hospital, Lahore. Inclusion criteria targeted dental surgeons aged 20 to 35 years, excluding those over 35, dental assistants, other medical doctors, and individuals with cervical spondylosis. Pain intensity was measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, with quantitative variables presented as means, standard deviations, ranges, and histograms, and categorical variables as frequencies and percentages. Results: The study found that 83% of the participating dental surgeons experienced neck pain, attributable to faulty work postures. The age distribution of participants was primarily within the 20-25 age group (65.6%), and a significant majority were females (62.2%). Regarding pain intensity, 50% reported mild pain, 27.8% moderate pain, and 5.6% severe pain, with 16.7% reporting no pain. Conclusion: The high prevalence of cervical pain among dental surgeons underscores the critical need for ergonomic intervention and awareness in dental practice. Implementing ergonomic principles and promoting a better understanding of occupational health risks can potentially reduce the incidence of cervical pain and improve the overall well-being of dental professionals.