Work-Related Musculoskeletal Pain of The Neck, Shoulders And Back Among Dentists At The Dental Hospital of The University Of Barcelona: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Background: Musculoskeletal pain and disorders represents one of the greatest problems of dental professionals. The present study aimed to make an assessment of the work-related musculoskeletal pain (WRMP) of the neck, shoulders and back of the professors at the Dental Hospital of the University of Barcelona (DHUB) during the last 12 months. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed. WRMP were assessed using validated questionnaires. Descriptive and bivariate analysis of the data were performed. Results: 165 teachers received the survey, 70 responded and 43 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. 86.05% of respondents reported WRMP during the last 12 months, with shoulders being the most common location. 83.78% of the dentists had gradual pain of moderate intensity. Nearly one-third of these periods of pain had negative consequences. Extreme cervical torsions and flexions during work have been found to be associated with WRMP in the shoulders. In addition, Body Mass Index (BMI) was related to lower back WRMP. Conclusions: Excessive cervical twists and flexions are predictors of shoulders’. A high BMI can be considered a trigger factor of lower back WRMP. Several strategies could reduce the impact of factors associated with WRMP. Further research is needed to prevent WRMP in dentists.</jats:p