title: National survey of back & neck pain amongst consultant ophthalmologists in the United Kingdom.
abstract: Repetitive tasks, awkward or prolonged working postures, and high cognitive load are risk factors for occupational musculoskeletal disorders. Ophthalmologists may be vulnerable given that they are exposed to a combination of these factors. This national study assesses the prevalence, severity and associations of back and neck pain amongst UK consultant ophthalmologists. A postal survey was conducted using addresses supplied by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists. Statistical analysis was performed using Pearson correlation coefficient, two-tailed probability testing, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Dunn's multiple comparison test. 518 responses were received (50.3 % response rate). Back and neck pain were reported by 50.6 % (262/518) and 31.8 % (165/518) of respondents, respectively, with 62.4 % (323/518) reporting one or both. 33.6 % (174/518) reported pain whilst operating, of whom 78.7 % (137/174) found operating exacerbated their pain. 31.7 % (164/518) reported pain when using the slit lamp, of whom 71.3 % (117/164) found it exacerbated their pain. Individual subspecialties showed a significant relative risk of back or neck pain in some circumstances, when compared to ophthalmologists as a whole. Occupational back and neck pain remains a problem amongst ophthalmologists. Recommendations are made for modifications to the working environment, and consideration should be given to improving education for trainees.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, Maidstone Hospital, Hermitage Lane, Kent, ME16 9QQ, UK. Jonathan.hyer@doctors.org.uk.
authors.forename: Jonathan N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Hyer
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, Maidstone Hospital, Hermitage Lane, Kent, ME16 9QQ, UK.
authors.forename: Richard M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, Maidstone Hospital, Hermitage Lane, Kent, ME16 9QQ, UK.
authors.forename: Haziq R
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Chowdhury
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, Maidstone Hospital, Hermitage Lane, Kent, ME16 9QQ, UK.
authors.forename: Henry B
authors.initials: HB
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, Maidstone Hospital, Hermitage Lane, Kent, ME16 9QQ, UK.
authors.forename: Anish
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dhital
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, Maidstone Hospital, Hermitage Lane, Kent, ME16 9QQ, UK.
authors.forename: Mona
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Khandwala
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003253:Consultants; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D019547:Neck Pain / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D009885:Ophthalmology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011187:Posture; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology
keywords: Back; Musculoskeletal; Neck; Occupational health; Pain