BB Jackie M.
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BMJ 2001;323:1323 (�8�December�)
News extra
Gynaecologists blame high incidence of back pain on their work
Roger Dobson Abergavenny More than seven out of 10 gynaecologists have back pain, with half blaming the problem on the job. Around one in eight have needed surgery, and many experience pain while carrying out examinations or performing surgery, according to a survey of 107 practitioners.
The survey, conducted in Northern Ireland and reported in Occupational Medicine (2001;51:433-8), also found that one in five specialists in obstetrics and gynaecology have taken time off work because of back pain. Between them, the 107 consultants and retired consultants had lost the equivalent of three years' work as a result of back problems.
The report said the research was triggered by an impression of an excessive incidence of back problems among doctors working in the specialty.
"The obstetrician/gynaecologist is frequently required to adopt awkward postures during the course of clinical practice. Abdominal and pelvic examination necessitates bending and twisting of the trunk, and static postures are often adopted for prolonged periods of time during surgery," said the report.
The research, based on a 46 point questionnaire sent to 114 members of the Ulster Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society,� found that 72% had significant back pain and 53% reported the cause as working in obstetrics and gynaecology. Seventy per cent said the pain had been aggravated by working in the specialty.
The specialists also experience pain during some procedures. Some 54% said they had pain while performing vaginal surgery and 48% during abdominal surgery. Thirty one per cent were in pain carrying out pelvic examinations. Most gynaecologists received non-surgical treatment for their back pain, but 8% required surgery—three times the rate reported among ophthalmologists.
Dr Denis Martin, consultant gynaecologist and one of the authors of the report, who himself has back pain and has also had back surgery, said, "The toughest time for me is assisting at vaginal surgery, having to lean over and push around, but different things affect different people. I think that, overall, we found that the incidence of surgery is about eight times that what you would expect in that population."
The report said that clinicians have changed their clinical practice to cope with back pain but that there is a need for more work on ergonomics in the workplace.
"Fifty three per cent of those with back pain blamed it on working in obstetrics and gynaecology. Significant morbidity results from backache to gynaecologists. This has economic implications and requires further assessment to improve prevention, with emphasis on individual training and ergonomic evaluations of work-related postures," it said.
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Birthing Beautifully,
Jackie Mawson.
Convenor of Birthrites: Healing After Caesarean Inc.
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Too many Gods;
so many creeds,
Too many paths
that wind and
wind,
When just the art
of being kind
Is all the sad
world needs...
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