Neck and upper extremity pain in sonographers – Associations with occupational factors

Abstract

Sonographers have a high risk of musculoskeletal disorders. This study explores the associations between working conditions and musculoskeletal pain based on the frequency and intensity of pain in the neck and upper extremities. A questionnaire was answered by 291 female sonographers. High prevalence of neck/shoulder pain was associated with eye complaints and headache related to work on the computer, dissatisfaction with the computer workstation, high mechanical exposure index (MEI) and high demands. The possibility to adjust the keyboard and chair, and adequately corrected eyesight were positive factors. High prevalence of elbow/hand pain was associated with performing echocardiography, computerrelated eye complaints, high MEI and high job and sensory demands. In echocardiography, working with a straight wrist and holding the transducer with a two-handed grip or alternating hands was associated with a low prevalence of elbow/hand pain. Thus, further improvements in the working conditions are possible and are recommended.

Assessments of Physical Workload in Sonography Tasks Using Inclinometry, Goniometry, and Electromyography

“…Echocardiography is highly sensory demanding, requiring mental focus and control of body movements [13] . This is similar to the cases of dentists and air traffic controllers, who have also been found to experience WRMSDs [33] , [34] .…”

“…Most echocardiographers also perform other sonographic examinations, for example, vascular examinations, and nonsonographic tasks, for example, spirometry. It has been shown that those who perform echocardiography have a higher prevalence of elbow/hand pain than those who only perform other sonographic examinations [13] .…”

“…In a recent study on Swedish echocardiographers, we identified three techniques. The most commonly used technique (by 47%) was to hold the transducer in the left hand, with the patient lying to the left of the ultrasound machine [13] . Two alternative techniques were identified.…”

Effects of neuromuscular taping as an independent or complementary method to physiotherapeutic treatment in the management of cervical pain

“…Therefore, they are exposed to occupational risk factors such as unnatural postures, repetitive movements, and load handling, and prior research has demonstrated the relationship between these risk factors and the occurrence of painful musculoskeletal syndromes [22][23][24] .…”

Relationship of Work Context and Work Stress among Sonographers in Riyadh, KSA

“…Sonographers as professional health care providers have reported a high prevalence of workrelated musculoskeletal pain and discomfort [12,13]. Some latest studies indicated the high prevalence of neck and shoulder pain among female sonographers [14,15]. Other researchers also studied the stress-related risk factors such as disproportionate workload, time pressure, tough or difficult tasks, insufficient rest breaks, monotony in conducting the same tasks, and the physically poor work environment conditions are considered as additional factors affecting health care professionals [16].…”