Self reported symptoms in the neck and upper limbs in nurses

This paper describes a cross-sectional study which examines musculoskeletal symptoms in nurses working in two similar units in a residential care centre for the developmentally disabled. Amongst the 30 nurses who were administered the Nordic Questionnaire, neck and upper limb symptoms had resulted in considerable inability to perform work. In contrast, a similar incidence of reported back symptoms in these nurses had not prevented them from doing their work. An examination of the worker's compensation claims made by nurses from the whole facility showed low back claims to be more common than neck and upper limb claims. It appears that nurses are more likely to make a worker's compensation claim for low back symptoms than neck and upper limb symptoms. In other words, worker's compensation claims do not accurately reflect the types of musculoskeletal symptoms actually experienced by nurses and affecting their ability to do their work. Five nurses from each unit were also observed during the entire morning and afternoon shifts to examine the work load and the effects of fatigue on the musculoskeletal system. Heart rate measurements and ratings of perceived exertion were taken. Activities performed and types of transfers carried out were also recorded. Nurses in one of the units had significantly more reported neck and shoulder symptoms than their counterparts. Observations of a sample of five nurses from each unit also showed higher ratings of perceived exertion in this unit. These differences were possibly confounded by the fact that nurses in the unit which experienced these problems were about 8 cm shorter and about 5 kg lighter than their counterparts. Differences in the work practices in the two units, especially methods of manual handling and use of ergonomic interventions were identified as important contributing factors.