Neck pain among surgeons caused by operating is reduced by a simple daily exercise intervention

Musculoskeletal pain due to operating affects 79–88% of surgeons. Initial symptoms begin during residency, with neck pain as the most frequent, severe, and disabling site. This study hypothesized that a simple 8-min daily exercise intervention performed over 8 weeks would decrease neck pain experienced by surgeons.

Surgical residents and faculty reporting neck pain due to operating were invited to participate in this prospective cohort study. Baseline demographic information, activity, and pain levels were obtained from all participants. After training, participants performed an 8-min daily exercise routine over an 8-week period. Participants reported worst neck pain, perceived surgical workload, and exercise compliance weekly.

Thirty-eight surgeons enrolled in the study (13 faculty, 25 residents) of whom 47% were female. Baseline pain was 5.1 ± 1.3/10 and perceived surgical workload measured 5.7 ± 2.0/10. Twenty-six surgeons completed the entire 8-week intervention (8 faculty, 18 residents). There was no difference in gender, level of training, initial pain, or operative workload between those who did and did not complete the study. Among those completing the study, there was a significant decrease in reported neck pain from baseline (5.1 ± 1.1) to 4 weeks (3.3 ± 1.8, p < 0.001 vs baseline) and on to 8 weeks (2.6 ± 1.6, p < 0.001 vs baseline). Four weeks after study completion, neck pain remained lower than baseline (2.9 ± 2.2, p < 0.001).

A simple 8-min daily exercise program reduces neck pain and improves patient-reported physical health in surgeons. The exercises could be taught to junior residents to aid in improving wellness and career longevity.