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National survey of back & neck pain amongst consultant ophthalmologists in the United Kingdom

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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.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge the contribution of Philip Jeffs, physiotherapist at Maidstone Hospital.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Ophthalmology, Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, Maidstone Hospital, Hermitage Lane, Kent, ME16 9QQ, UK

    Jonathan N. Hyer, Richard M. Lee, Haziq R. Chowdhury, Henry B. Smith, Anish Dhital & Mona Khandwala

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  1. Jonathan N. Hyer
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  2. Richard M. Lee
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  3. Haziq R. Chowdhury
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Correspondence to Jonathan N. Hyer.

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Hyer, J.N., Lee, R.M., Chowdhury, H.R. et al. National survey of back & neck pain amongst consultant ophthalmologists in the United Kingdom. Int Ophthalmol 35, 769–775 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10792-015-0036-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10792-015-0036-z

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