An Investigation of Chronic Pain Prevalence and Severity Among Spine Surgeons and Trainees

Operating room ergonomics uniquely predispose spine surgeons to chronic musculoskeletal pain. We surveyed the Lumbar Spine Research Society to better characterize the prevalence, surgical challenges, institutional response, and nonoccupational factors of chronic pain among spine surgeons as well as its effects on their careers and well-being.

A survey of demographic, lifestyle, occupational, and symptomatic information was distributed at the 2024 Lumbar Spine Research Society Annual Meeting. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to assess chronic pain prevalence and severity. Owing to the sample size, a P value of 0.10 was considered statistically significant.

Forty surgeons responded; chronic pain affected 82.5%, limited daily activities in 58%, and affected overall fitness in 33%. All reported that ergonomic advancement could improve their practice. Institutions had addressed ergonomic challenges for 5% of respondents and made improvements for 2.5%. In univariate analysis, age correlated with pain prevalence (P = 0.016), while height (P = 0.021), weight (P = 0.050), sleep (P = 0.089), work hours (P = 0.070), and robotic assistance (P = 0.010) were inversely correlated with pain prevalence. Age (P = 0.027), weight (P = 0.0054), and robotic assistance (P = 0.0030) were also inversely correlated with pain severity. Multivariate analysis showed that sleep was inversely correlated with pain (P = 0.062).

Chronic musculoskeletal pain is up to four times more common among spine surgeons than it is among other adults. Sleep and robotic assistance may represent protective factors, but other risk factors and protective factors remain unclear. Ubiquitous symptoms and lack of institutional interventions underscore opportunities to better support spine surgeons and improve career longevity.