P-620 RACHIALGIA IN PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS AND MEDICAL FITNESS FOR WORK: A REVIEW OF 31 CASES

• Published in: Occupational medicine (Oxford) Vol. 74; no. Supplement_1
• Main Authors: Ziedi, Hiba, Brahim, Dorra, Mechergui, Najla, Youssef, Imen, Mersni, Mariem, Bahri, Ghada, Said, Hanene Ben, Bani, Mejda, Ladhari, Nizar
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 05.07.2024
• ISSN: 0962-7480; 1471-8405
• DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqae023.1453

Abstract Introduction Spinal pain is a frequent reason for consultation in occupational medicine, particularly among professional drivers (PDs) exposed to low-frequency vibrations. We aimed to study the risk factors as well as the medical fitness to work in PDs suffering from spinal pain. Methods A retrospective descriptive study that involved PDs referred to the occupational medicine department for a medical opinion of fitness for work in the face of spinal pain, during the period from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2022. Results During the study period, 31 PDs were included. The population was exclusively male with a mean age of 50±6 years. The most common sectors of activity were transport (42%) and construction (19%). The median professional seniority was 16 years. Obesity was associated with spinal pain in 32% of cases. Lumbar involvement was the most common localization (61%). The diagnosis of protrusive disc herniation was made in 29% of patients, associated with radicular conflict in 70% of cases. Four patients were declared fit to drive, whereas 58% of the PDs were excluded from professional driving. Three drivers benefited from a workstation adjustment with avoidance of long journeys. Discussion The high prevalence of rachialgia among PDs may be explained by an anomaly of the spine not detected during the recruitment visit, which could be aggravated by exposure to vibrations. Conclusions Spinal pain seems to be a reason for unfitness to work among PDs. Regular monitoring and detection of risk factors are necessary in order to preserve PDs health.