Cervical condition and nature of work

ABSTRACT

A study was conducted to estimate the relation between the nature of work and cervical spondylosis. The population studied were the first 300 patients who were suffering from cervical spondylosis and who were attending the phtsiotherapy unit of the health insurance for treatment. Cases giving history of non-occupational head and/or neck trauma or congenital anomalies were rejected. Data from the remaining sample [n=269] were collected using a questionnaire which included items as regard personal, detailed and careful occupational, past and present histories. Each of the cases were examined clinically and radiologically for evidence of cervical spondylosis. Occupations were graded according to their effects on neck suppleness into heavy, medium and light. Recreational activities were also grouped according to the neck involvement into major, intermediate and low. Results obtained in this study revealed that the condition was more prevalent in men than women. The mean age of these cases were 49.93 +/- 7.42 years. The highest proportions of cases suffering from spondylosis were mainly those engaged in jobs included in the light group of occpations [n=152, 56.50%]. This finding was explained by the fact that these jobs were characterised by excessive and continuous flixion and extension movement of the neck which are considered harmfull for the cervical spines. Another fact was that in this group, a significant proportion was carrying recreational activities which were considered as major neck involvement. It was also noticed that the degree of severity in affection of cervical spines was greater among cases engaged in jobs of the heavy group of occupations. This finding may be explained by the fact that this group is more exposed to occupational trauma to head and neck than other groups. It was also found that the mid and lower cervical regions were the most affected spines. These spines are usually more vulnerable due to their site as well as due to their great mobility.