Prevalence of Lumbosacral Radiculopathy among Dentists

Abstract
Background: The dentists are at high risk of lower back-ache problems.
Aim of the Study: Was to detect point prevalence of work related the lumbosacral radiculopathy (low back pain and sciatica) among dentists who are currently working in ministry of health in Cairo, Egypt.
Material and Methods: Specific questionnaire based on Roland Morris questionnaire and Modified Roland Morris questionnaire (RMQ, RMQ-L) were given to dentists who are currently working in Ministry of Health in Cairo, Egypt. Five hundred volunteer dentists participated in this study. The results of this study showed that the point prevalence of Work Related Low Back Pain (WRLBP) was 60.8%, point prevalence work related leg pain was 35.2%. There was no statistical significant difference between female and male subjects in the median values of Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Roland Morris questionnaire (RMQ) back pain. On the other hand, the median value of Modified Roland Morris questionnaire (RMQ-L) was significantly higher in female group than in male. The median value of VAS was significantly higher in full time than in part time. On the other hand, there was no statistical significant difference between full time and part time in the median values of Roland Morris questionnaire (RMQ) back pain and Modified Roland Morris questionnaire (RMQ-L). The median value of VAS was significantly higher in training group than in non-training group. On the other hand, there was no statistical significant difference between training and non-training in the median values of Roland Morris Questionnaire (RMQ) back pain and Modified Roland Morris questionnaire (RMQ-L). The median value of VAS was significantly higher in Pediatric Dentists (PEDO) than both General Practitioner dentists (GP) and other specialties dentists. There was a positive correlation between Roland Morris Questionnaire (RMQ) back pain and years of experi-ence, VAS and RMQ leg. On the other hand, there was no statistical significant correlation between Roland Morris Questionnaire (RMQ) back pain and age and Body Mass Index (BMI). There was a positive correlation between Modified Roland Morris questionnaire RMQ leg and VAS.
Conclusion: Work-related low back pain is common among Egyptian DENTISTS at the POINT prevalence, Making Cairo's dentists at a high-risk group, which necessitate appro-priate intervention to manage such squeal.