The Impact of Cervical Spine Ailments and Dysfunctions on the Quality of Life of Professionally Active Nurses

Abstract

Introduction. In the era of contemporary changes and evolution of the nursing profession, changing work standards and ergonomics, the professional group of people suffering from cervical spine problems is growing. So far, little research has been conducted on the occurrence of spine problems and their impact on the quality of life of professionally active nurses.

Aim. The aim of the study was to analyse and assess the impact of cervical spine complaints on the quality of life of professionally active nurses.

Material and Methods. The research was conducted among nursing staff employed in the surgical and preventive departments of the Specialist Municipal Hospital of Nicolaus Copernicus in Toruń. The study group consisted of 100 people, women and men, of whom 80 were qualified for further stages of the study. The prospective studies used survey techniques as well as observation and measurement. In the assessment of dysfunctions related to spinal problems, the Polish version of the questionnaire, the indicator of disability caused by pain in the cervical spine — Neck Disability Index (NDI), was used.

Results. The analysis of the conducted research shows that the majority of respondents significantly experience increased pain resulting from work-related stress. Statistical analysis showed that the demographic factors influencing the occurrence of pain are: age (p=0.001), work experience of the respondents (p=0.003) and work system (p=0.026). There was no relationship between gender (p=0.726), marital status (p=0.528) and education of the respondents (p=0.507) and the occurrence of pain.

Conclusions. 1. Work-related stress significantly increases the incidence of cervical spine problems among nurses and worsens their quality of life. 2. The most common complaints among professionally active nurses are headaches and tingling and numbness in the limbs. 3. The occurrence of ailments is determined by demographic factors. 4. Professionally active nurses describe their quality of life as average. 5. The nursing team does not consult a doctor before implementing pharmacological treatment. (JNNN 2023;12(3):127–133)