Influence of chosen factors on the degree of disability resulting from pain in the cervical and lumbar spine among dentists

Ewa Puszczałowska-Lizis, Izabela Zbrońska, Wioletta Mazur, Sabina Lizis

E. Puszczałowska-Lizis, I. Zbrońska, W. Mazur, S. Lizis – Influence of chosen factors on the degree of disability resulting from pain in the cervical and lumbar spine among dentists. Fizjoterapia Polska 2021; 21(4); 104-115

Abstract
Introduction. Dentists, due to the specificity of their professional work, consisting in prolonged stay in a static sitting position, frequent tilting and rotation of the torso, repeated sequences of movements, are at risk of diseases of the musculoskeletal system, which can lead to disability. The aim of this study was to evaluate an impact of chosen factors on the degree of disability resulting from pain in the cervical and lumbar spine among dentists.
Material and methods. The results of a diagnostic survey performed among 97 professional active dentists aged 30-40 years, who during 2 years preceding the study experienced back pain, were analysed. The research tool was the author’s questionnaire, Neck Disability Index (NDI) and Oswestry Distability Index (ODI). The collected research results were analysed with the use of Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman rank correlation.
Results. Only 4% of dentists declared reliable compliance with the principles of ergonomics at work, and 72% of respondents undertook physical activity in their free time. No statistically significant relationships were found between age, body composition, seniority in the profession of a dentist, the number of working hours per day, and the level of disability determined on the basis of the NDI and ODI. Working from lateral or posterior access, taking up physical activity, and using physiotherapeutic procedures were not factors differentiating the level of disability of the respondents.
Conclusions. There is a need to create programs popularizing the need for reliable compliance with the principles of ergonomics in the profession of a dentist, and the implementation of new concepts of work organisation with reference to researched professional group.
Key words:
health policy, medicine of work, work ergonomics
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