MANUSCRIPT TITLE: EPIDEMIOLOGY AND OCCUPATIONAL CORRELATES OF MECHANICAL NECK PAIN AMONG SURGEONS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background

Neck pain is defined as the discomfort, or pain, that is experienced in the neck area which may or may not extend to the upper limbs and lasts at least one day. Mechanical neck pain (MNP) refers to pain that occurs in the neck due to micro-trauma in the neck muscles, ligaments, cervical spine region joint or bones. This type of pain can be a result of living in a posture that causes stress to the neck or awkward posture taken during the normal day-to-day life activities of excessive stress and force.

Objective

The primary objective of this study was to establish the prevalence of mechanical neck pain among surgeons and the identification of the risk factors of mechanical neck pain among surgeons.

Methods

The study was a cross-sectional study that was carried out at Watim Medical and Dental College between September 2024 and February 2025. 278 surgeons with mechanical neck pain and a 3 months duration were involved in the study. The participants used were recruited by non-probability convenient sampling. The intensity of pain was measured with the help of numeric pain rating scale. The assessment and confirmation of Mechanical Neck Pain was done using the self-designed questionnaire and physical assessment.

Results

The prevalence of mechanical neck pain among the surgeons was significant. The risk factors like duration of surgery; gadget use and position during surgery also contributes to neck pain. However, no statistically significant association was found between the risk factors and mechanical neck pain among surgeons.

Conclusion                 

Neck pain is prevalent and risk factors are present among surgeons. Although, a minority of the surgeons breaks off work because of mechanical neck pain, the majority of the surgeons experience work related mechanical neck pain. Top in the list were the general surgeons.