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Back pain in ophthalmologists
A Chatterjee1, W G Ryan, E S Rosen
1Royal Eye Hospital, Manchester, UK.
Eye (London, England)
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Longer-serving ophthalmologists in the UK report more frequent and severe back pain, unrelated to surgical hours. This highlights a need for targeted interventions for experienced eye surgeons experiencing back pain.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Occupational Health
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
Background:
- Back pain is a common complaint among healthcare professionals.
- The specific occupational demands and prevalence of back pain in UK consultant ophthalmologists are not well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and characteristics of back pain among UK consultant ophthalmologists.
- To explore the relationship between working practices, years in specialty, operating time, and back pain.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire survey was distributed to all 498 UK consultant ophthalmologists.
- Data collected included working practices, time in specialty, operating hours, and back pain incidence/treatment.
- 325 (65.3%) questionnaires were analyzed.
Main Results:
- 54% of ophthalmologists reported significant back pain attacks.
- Incidence and duration of back pain increased with years in specialty, but not with operating time.
- Treatments included analgesics (56%), physiotherapy (23%), alternative medicine (8%), with no treatment needed for 32% of cases.
- Investigations and treatments increased with seniority; 9 surgeons required surgery.
Conclusions:
- Seniority in ophthalmology is associated with a higher incidence and severity of back pain.
- Operating time does not appear to be a significant factor in the development of back pain for ophthalmologists.
- Further research into ergonomic support and preventative strategies for experienced ophthalmologists is warranted.