A Cross-Sectional Study on Prevalence of Cervical Spine Dysfunction Among Practicing Dentists
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Background: Dentistry requires prolonged static posture, sustained cervical flexion, repetitive upper-limb activity, and restricted working positions, which may predispose practitioners to neck pain and functional disability. Local evidence from Pakistan remains limited regarding NDI-defined cervical disability among practicing dentists. Objective: To determine the prevalence and severity of neck pain and Neck Disability Index-defined cervical spine dysfunction among practicing dentists in Karachi and describe related sleep, recreational, age, and gender patterns. Methods: This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study included 150 licensed dentists aged 25-50 years practicing in clinics and hospitals across Karachi. Participants completed a structured questionnaire including demographic information, categorical pain-intensity assessment, NDI disability grading, and NDI-based sleep and recreational activity items. Data were analyzed using frequencies and percentages. Gender-wise NDI patterns were assessed descriptively, with collapsed-category chi-square analysis where appropriate. Results: Current neck pain was reported by 132 participants (88.0%), while 54 (36.0%) reported severe-to-worst pain. NDI-defined disability was present in 108 participants (72.0%), predominantly mild disability (51.3%), while moderate-to-complete disability affected 31 participants (20.7%). Sleep disturbance was reported by 60 participants (40.0%), and recreation-related pain or limitation by 70 participants (46.7%). Severe-to-complete disability was descriptively higher in males than females, but the collapsed gender-wise NDI association was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Neck pain and NDI-defined cervical disability were common among practicing dentists in Karachi, supporting the need for ergonomic education, early screening, and physiotherapy-informed preventive strategies
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