JORR
Journal of Orthopedics Research and Rehabilitation

The Journal of Orthopedics Research and Rehabilitation welcomes scholarly papers inorthopaedic surgery, physical therapy and rehabilitation, neurosurgery, neurology and clinic anesthesiology and reanimation.

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Original Article
Evaluation of Covid-19-related musculoskeletal pain in healthcare workers during the pandemic
Abstract
Aims: To investigate the prevalence, characteristics, and musculoskeletal distribution of pain, one of the most frequently encountered complications among healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods: The study included healthcare workers who had recovered from COVID-19 at least six months before their inclusion. Demographic data of the participants were collected. Pain levels were assessed with the Visual Analog Scale. The "Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire" was used to measure low back pain and disability levels, which aims to assess how pain affects activities of daily living. The "Douleur Neuropathique 4 Questionnaire" interview section was used to assess the level of neuropathic pain.
Results: A total of 101 participants with a mean age of 37.72 ± 1.22 years were included in the study. Of these participants, 78 (77.2%) were female and 23 (22.8%) were male. Of the participants, 32 (31.7%) were physicians, 34 (33.7%) were nurses, and 35 (34.7%) were healthcare workers. The most common areas of pain reported in healthcare workers in our study were the head, lower back, and back. A statistically significant difference was observed in the analysis of Oswestry Scores between different occupational groups (p <0.001). Subgroup analyses showed that there was no statistically significant difference between nurses and other healthcare personnel (p = 0.082). However, a significant difference was observed between doctors and nurses (p <0.001) and also between doctors and other healthcare personnel (p = 0.008). The most frequently reported neuropathic symptoms were numbness, pinprick sensations, and tingling.
Conclusion: Our study that examines the location and character of pain in the musculoskeletal system in healthcare workers can support fundamental strategies in the protection of healthcare workers and the continuity of healthcare system delivery. Developing necessary prevention strategies is crucial to prepare healthcare workers for managing future outbreaks.

Keywords : COVID-19, visual analog scale, oswestry low back pain disability questionnaire, healthcare professionals

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Article available in :
Volume 3, Issue 1, 2025
Page : 9-13
https://doi.org/10.51271/JORR-0044
Article Information
Received : 04 Ara 2024
Accepted : 22 Ara 2024
Published : 18 Oca 2025
Corresponding Author :

Sibel Mandıroğlu: Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Ankara Gaziler Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkiye

[email protected]
Citation : Mandıroğlu S, Keskin Kavak S, Aktekin L, Sevingül B. Evaluation of COVID-19-related musculoskeletal pain in healthcare workers during the pandemic. J Orthop Res Rehabil. 2025;3(1):9-13.

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