The Influence of Age and Work Experience on Lumbar Spine Pain among the Nursing Staff

Abstract

Introduction. Currently, back pain syndromes are considered to be widely known problems in the medical, but above all, social and economic aspects. The specific nature of the profession performed by nurses puts them among the people most at risk of spine dysfunction.
 Aim. The aim of this study is to assess the occurrence of pain in the lumbar spine pain among nurses working at the Provincial Specialist Hospital in Włocławek.
 Material and Methods. The research was conducted among 120 nurses working in hospital wards of the Provincial Specialist Hospital in Włocławek. The research used an own survey questionnaire and the Revised Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Scale (ODI) — the Polish version. Consent to conduct the research was obtained from the Management of the Provincial Specialist Hospital in Włocławek and the Bioethics Committee of the State Academy of Applied Sciences in Włocławek.
 Results. The majority of respondents indicated that they connect back pain with work — 104 people (86.7%) and received the results of slight limitations — 60 people (50.0%). Most respondents indicated that they had experienced pain for 1–5 years — 42 people (35.0%). Respondents aged up to 45 years indicated that they had been experiencing pain for 1–5 years — 15 people (48.4%). In the group with 30–40 years of experience, the most respondents indicated that they had more than 10 years of experience — 19 people (34.5%). In the group with 30–40 years of experience, the majority indicated that often several times a month — 21 people (38.2%). The highest degree of disability was recorded at the age of 56–62, serious disruptions — 8 people (33.3%), and at the age of 51–55, serious disruptions — 6 people (14.03%).
 Conclusions. The work performed affects the occurrence of pain in the lumbar spine. Age groups up to 45 years and 46–50 years have been experiencing pain for 5–10 years. Pain is most often experienced by respondents with 30–40 years of work experience. The vast majority of respondents experience slight limitations. The highest rate of disability is experienced by nurses aged 51–55. (JNNN 2023;12(4):164–169)