Prevalence of Back Pain among German Ophthalmologists

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of back pain among German ophthalmologists, to investigate the relationship towards age, gender, various profession-related factors, to correlate localization of pain to subspecialties, and to explore individual therapeutic and coping strategies. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> In this prospective, cross-sectional survey, a 9-item questionnaire was sent via mail to all members of the German professional association of ophthalmologists “Berufsverband der Augenärzte Deutschlands e.V. (BVA).” Responses were analyzed according to a pre-specified analysis plan. <b><i>Results:</i></b> From a total of 5,954 members contacted, 1,861 copies (31%) were received back, of which 1,807 (30%) were suitable for analysis. 913 (51%) participants were female and 876 (48%) were male, with a median age of 50 years (interquartile range: 44; 57). 1,464 ophthalmologists (81%) reported current back problems, considerably more than had been reported in the general population or in other medical specialties. Older age, female gender, and higher number of professional years appeared to be risk factors for developing back pain. Overall, neck pain was the leading symptom in 951 attendees (65%) but differed between ophthalmologists who primarily performed conservative treatment (cervical spine) and those who performed surgery (mainly lumbar spine). 1,037 participants (71%) link their complaints to their occupational activity. Exercising and back training were reported as common strategies for prevention and coping with the problem. Recommendations for improvement were mainly ergonomic optimization of the working place. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> The prevalence of back pain complaints in German ophthalmologists is high. Neck pain (65%) was the leading localization, followed by low back pain (53%) and shoulder (38%) problems, which might emphasize a special back pain complaint profile in ophthalmologists. Low back pain seems to be more common in ophthalmologists with surgical specialization than in those with mainly medical tasks. The high prevalence of back pain in ophthalmologists should be communicated with employers, the industry, and professional societies to develop and implement a strategy to prevent occupational-related musculoskeletal disorders and preserve the ability to work and the quality of life.

12-Monats-Prävalenz ausgewählter Erkrankungen bei Ärztinnen und Ärzten in Deutschland

“…Auch bei deutschen präklinischen Rettungskräften waren Schmerzen in Nacken und Rücken die häufigsten Beschwerden in den letzten 12 Monaten (Möckel et al 2022). Im Vergleich dazu zeigte eine Studie mit 1807 Augenärztinnen und -ärzten, dass zum Zeitpunkt der Erhebung 81 % der Teilnehmenden unter Rückenproblemen litten (Bertelmann et al 2021), was einem höheren Anteil als in der vorliegenden Studie entspricht. In der Allgemeinbevölkerung liegt die bekannte 12-Monats-Prävalenz von Rückenschmerzen bei etwa 61 % sowie Nackenschmerzen bei 48 % (von der Lippe et al 2021).…”

“…Es ist bekannt, dass Personen in Gesundheitsfachberufen häufig unter Schmerzen leiden (Bertelmann et al 2021;Hönl et al 2021;Möckel et al 2021Möckel et al , 2022Steiner u. Möckel 2021). In einer Studie mit Augenärztinnen und Augenärzten aus Deutschland berichteten etwa vier von fünf Teilnehmenden über Rückenbeschwerden, wobei das weibliche Geschlecht, höheres Alter und mehr Jahre Berufserfahrung in den Untersuchungen als Risikofaktor angegeben wurden (Bertelmann et al 2021). Eine Analyse von Ärztinnen und Ärzten aus dem Kanton Zürich, Schweiz, zeigte, dass 36,6 % unter einem chronischen Gesundheitsproblem und 64,6 % an geringfügigen muskuloskelettalen Beschwerden litten.…”

Evaluating the Accuracy of Upper Limb Movement in the Sagittal Plane among Computer Users during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…In the period preceding the COVID-19 pandemic, as many as 40-80% of employees who used a computer continuously in the course of their duties had musculoskeletal dysfunctions [3][4][5][6]. During the pandemic, among healthcare professionals using computers at work, the most common pathology of the musculoskeletal system was pain in the cervical spine and/or shoulder associated with incorrect ergonomics of the workplace and working time (long working hours, prolonged use of the computer, sedentary work, lack of changes in posture during work) [7,8]. At the same time, the duration of pain depended to a large extent on the age of employees and seniority [9].…”

Prevalence of Low Back Pain and Associated Factors Among Qassim University Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…A systematic review of 154 studies revealed an estimated lifetime prevalence of LBP in healthcare personnel of 54.8% [ 6 ]. LBP prevalence has been found to be higher among dentists and nurses than among other health professionals, and ophthalmologists specializing in surgery have been shown to experience LBP more frequently (53%) than professionals who perform other medical duties [ 7 , 8 ].…”

“…A systematic review of 154 studies revealed an estimated lifetime prevalence of LBP in healthcare personnel of 54.8% [6]. LBP prevalence has been found to be higher among dentists and nurses than among other health professionals, and ophthalmologists specializing in surgery have been shown to experience LBP more frequently (53%) than professionals who perform other medical duties [7,8]. In addition to doctors and healthcare professionals, medical students experience high rates of LBP, with causes that include smoking, stress, poor sleeping posture, and family history [9].…”