Nursing personnel’s musculosceletal problems

Nurses’ musculoskeletal problems constitute the major occupational disability source, worldwide. The prevalence of musculoskeletal diseases and especially backache is increased at alarming rates among nurse staff compared to the general population. Aim: The purpose of the present review was to explore the relation between musculoskeletal diseases and nursing staff. The method οf this study included bibliography research from both the review and the research literature which referred to the impact of musculoskeletal diseases on the health of nursing staff. Results: The majority of research studies showed that the main cause for musculoskeletal diseases is the manual moving of patients. Others responsible factors that lead to the manifestation of these diseases are bad body attitude, longtime standing on feet, years of employment, non-ergonomic design of the environment, as well as various other factors related with predisposition. Although, multiple methods have been used to control and eliminate these problems, their application has not been proved to contribute in reducing musculoskeletal diseases. Conclusions: The present review confirms that there is an increased frequency occurrence of musculoskeletal diseases to nurses, and especially those of the lumbar degree. Prevention through education, as well as the early identification of the nurses at risk may decrease the incidence of long-term deleterious effects to health.

Keywords: Musculoskeletal diseases, professional causes, factors related with predisposition, information