Low back and neck pain intensity and relationship with disability index among dentists

Background: Non-specific pain of low back and neck has direct impact on quality of life, active days at work, and health care costs. The purpose of this study was to determine the pain intensity and disability index for low back and neck among dentists. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 80 dentists (44.6% female and 55.4% male). Dentists pain intensity and low back and neck disability index were evaluated with the self-administered visual analog scale and Oswestry questionnaire, respectively. Statistical data analysis was done using SPSS. Results: Disability index of low back and neck has been reported equal to 26.6 &plusmn; 10.7 and 22.0 &plusmn; 8.8, respectively. Also the data showed the average pain intensity of low back and neck to be 75.5 &plusmn; 24 and 49.6 &plusmn; 19.7. The result showed significant relationship between pain intensity and disability index for low back and neck with body mass index (BMI) and exercise (P < 0.05). Conclusions: According to results, dentists have a high pain prevalence and moderate disability index of low back and neck. Also based on the relationship between the pain and disability index values with BMI and exercise, we recommend practice of relaxation and stretching exercises during breaks in the dentists work schedules to minimize the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among dentists.