Characteristics and Consequences of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Pain among Cardiac Sonographers Compared with Peer Employees: A Multisite Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Work-related musculoskeletal pain (WRMSP) among cardiac sonographers has been incom- pletely studied. The aim of this study was to compare the frequency, magnitude, and impact of WRMSP among cardiac sonographers with those of a control group of peer employees. Methods: An electronic survey was sent to cardiac sonographers and peer employees assigned to different occupational exposures within the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine at 10 Mayo Clinic facilities in four states. Results: A total of 416 subjects completed the survey: 111 sonographers (27%) and 305 peer-employee control subjects (73%). The mean age was 43 +/- 11 years, and 307 subjects (74%) were women. The sonographers' response rate was 86%. WRMSP was experienced by a large majority of sonographers (95 [86%] vs 140 [46%] for control subjects, P < .001). This association persisted after multivariate adjustment (odds ratio, 8.18; 95% confidence interval, 4.33-15.46; P < .001). Compared with coworkers, sonographers' pain was perceived as more severe (pain score > 5 on a 10-point scale; 62% vs 29%, P < .001) and as getting worse (14% vs 2%, P < .001). The neck (58% vs 25%), shoulder (51% vs 11%), lower back (44% vs 26%), and hand (42% vs 9%) were the most frequently affected body regions (P < .001 for each). The presence of WRMSP in sonographers was more often associated with interference in performance of daily (37% vs 12%, P < .001) and work-related (42% vs 11%, P < .001) activities. Because of pain, sonographers more often sought medical evaluation (27% vs 12%, P < .001), missed work (13% vs 4%, P < .001), had work restrictions (5% vs 0.6%, P = .005), and were considering changing employment (9% vs 0.5%, P < .001) compared with control subjects. Conclusions: WRMSP in cardiac sonographers is much more prevalent and severe compared with peer employees. WRMSP in sonographers affects daily and work-related activities, as well as future employment plans. Further studies assessing the potential role of preventive interventions are needed.