Musculoskeletal pain among school teachers are we underestimating its impact?

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a common occupational health condition which may significantly impact both work attendance and performance. School teachers represent an occupational group among which there appears to be a high prevalence of neck and/or shoulder pain (NSP) and low back pain (LBP). Epidemiological data on NSP and LBP in South African teachers are limited.Objectives: To determine the prevalence of NSP and LBP among primary school teachers in the Central Durban area of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; to identify predominant occupational factors associated with NSP and LBP pain; and to highlight key actions associated with such factors so as to direct future preventive measures/interventions.Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted on teachers from 12 randomly selected primary schools.Results: Among the 97 completed questionnaires, the prevalence of NSP and LBP was 80.4% and 68.0%, respectively. There was no association between age and NSP (p < 0.250) or LBP (p < 0.595). However, there were higher prevalence rates of NSP and LBP among the 45-54 years age group (39.2% and 33.0%, respectively). Factors associated with NSP included marking of assessments (56.7%; n = 55), and writing on a blackboard (39.2%; n = 38); prolonged standing was associated with LBP (83.5%; n = 81). These findings highlighted specific actions, such as forward-bending of the head for prolonged periods (61.9%; n = 60), backward-bending of the head for prolonged periods (20.6%; n = 20), and reaching/stretching with arms above chest height (41.2%; n = 40). Conclusion: Key occupational factors associated with MSP, and associated actions identified in this study can be used as a basis to direct strategies that can be applied to reduce the prevalence of MSP and the onset of MSD in teachers

Knowledge of University Lecturers about Risk Factors for Neck Pain in Lecturing and Prevention Strategies

Background: Neck pain is very common with lecturing. Knowledge of the predisposing factors and appropriate prevention strategies will improve job efficiency and quality of life of lecturers. This study investigated knowledge of lecturers about risk factors associated with the development of neck pain from lecturing; and available prevention strategies. Methods: This study included 200 lecturers at Bayero University Kano; Nigeria; selected using a multi-stage random sampling technique. Their knowledge of associated risk factors and prevention strategies was explored using a validated self-administered questionnaire. One hundred and forty-four valid responses were analysed; using descriptive statistics and correlation statistics. Results: The participants' ages ranged from 26 to 70 years; with most (54.9%) aged 41 to 55 years. Many (64.8%) had adequate knowledge of the associated risk factors for the development of neck pain; while 35.2% had poor knowledge. The majority (84.5%) had poor knowledge of potential prevention strategies; only 15.5% had fair knowledge. There was no significant relationship between duration of practice of lecturing and knowledge; with either associated risk factors or prevention strategies. Conclusion: Although most lecturers had adequate knowledge of risk factors associated with the development of neck pain as a result of their lecturing jobs; most had poor knowledge about appropriate prevention strategies. There is a need to educate lecturers on occupational and work station ergonomics; which might improve their job efficiency

Prevalence of neck and back pain among dentists and dental auxillaries in South-western Nigeria

Dental health workers like other workers have occupation related health problems and hazards which include neck and low back pain. Previous studies have shown that the prevalence and location of pain may be influenced by posture and work habits and as well as demographic factors. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of neck and back problems among dentists and dental auxillaries in private and government dental hospitals in south western Nigeria. Structured self administered questionnaire was sent to dentist and dental auxillaries by randomly selecting 3 out of the 6 state capital from the southwestern Nigeria. Participants included those in private clinics; teaching hospitals and general hospitals. The questionnaire was composed of respondents biodata; questions about specific information on neck and back pain and routine practice posture while working at chairside. The total number of properly filled questionnaire was 210 with a male to female ratio of 1.04:1. Respondents included 147 dentists; 37 dental surgeon assistants (DSA); 14 dental therapists and 12 dental technologists. Prevalence of back and neck pain among the respondents was 88.1and 81.9respectively. Among the male respondents; the prevalence of back pain was 86.9and 89.3in female while for neck pain ; the prevalence was 83.2in male and 80.6in female. Within the different professional groups; the prevalence of back pain was highest among the DSA(89.2); closely followed by the dentists(88.4); then therapists(85.7) and least among the technologists(83.3). For neck pain; the prevalence was highest among therapists followed by technologists ; dentists and least among the DSA. More females missed work due to back and neck pain than males. There is therefore the need to address ergonomic issues and change the way dentistry is practiced

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy with functional disability. long term results concerning 18 patients operated on by anterior approach in Gabon

Objectif : Rapporter notre experience sur le devenir fonctionnel de dix huit (18) patients operes pour une myelopathie cervicarthrosique (MPCA) invalidante et suivis sur une periode de 4 a 15 ans. Patients et methodes: Cette etude retrospective (1982 a 1999) a concerne 18 patients operes pour une myelopathie cervicarthrosique dont le handicap fonctionnel a ete evalue selon la classification de Nurick : grade III : 9; grade IV: 6; grade V : 3 . Treize d'entre eux se plaignaient egalement d'une cervicalgie-8; cervicobrachialgie-3 ou d'une paresthesie-2. Tous presentaient un deficit moteur (tetraparesie : 13; paraparesie : 4; tetraplegie : 1) et une spasticite. La voie d'abord cervicale antero-laterale droite fut la seule utilisee. La duree moyenne de suivi a ete de 6;9 ans .Resultat : Les plaintes douloureuses ont disparu. La recuperation neurologique a ete complete (Grade 0) : 1 ; quasi complete (Grade I) : 9 ou incomplete (Grade II) : 7; le deficit moteur est reste inchange dans un cas de Grade IV. Toutes les lesions ont consolide entre 3 et 5 mois. Conclusion: La myelopathie cervicarthrosique necessite une prise en charge pluridisciplinaire precoce des patients et un long suivi