Back pain, stiff neck... Doctors suffer from MSDs too!

Why are MSDs common among medical practitioners?

Your daily work as a doctor exposes you to uncomfortable static postures—for example, leaning over a patient during a clinical examination—often for long periods of time. Added to this are repetitive movements: writing prescriptions on the computer, performing gynecological examinations or ultrasounds one after another... All these movements place constant strain on the same muscles and joints. Practitioners who perform a large number of ultrasounds are also at proven increased risk of MSDs. At the end of the day, these cumulative microtraumas result in pain (back, neck, shoulders, wrists, etc.).

Another factor is the fast pace of work. General practitioners often see dozens of patients a day, with few breaks. Gynecologists go from consultation to consultation and technical procedure to technical procedure. Under these conditions, it is difficult to listen to your body: you ignore the slight discomfort in the morning... which gets worse in the evening. Finally, many practices are not ergonomically optimized. Due to lack of time or resources, practitioners still work with unsuitable furniture (examination on a fixed couch that is too high/low, non-adjustable stool, poorly positioned screen). Practitioners adapt to their environment instead of adapting their environment to themselves—and end up contorting themselves without realizing it.

Consequences for quality of life... and medical practice

Failing to prevent MSDs means running the risk of developing a chronic condition. Over the months, occasional pain can become regular, then permanent. The result: stiffness, loss of strength, sleep disorders, etc. MSDs that are not treated have a significant impact on the quality of life of professionals, causing fatigue and discomfort on a daily basis. It is difficult to be fully attentive to your patients when you are suffering yourself. It can even affect your morale: doing a job you love while suffering from pain can lead to frustration and even exhaustion.

In terms of medical activity, the impacts are just as real. Intense pain can force you to slow down, adjust your working hours, or even stop working temporarily. In extreme cases, some healthcare professionals have to stop working earlier than planned due to irreversible musculoskeletal disorders. In the ultrasound sector, for example, MSDs are one of the leading causes of prolonged sick leave and early retirement. Even without going that far, consider the small inefficiencies that occur on a daily basis: a doctor who is tense with pain will work more slowly or delegate tasks that they can no longer perform easily. In short, your musculoskeletal health directly influences the quality of care you can provide—hence the importance of preserving it.

Preventing MSDs: 4 practical tips for your practice

The good news is that you can significantly reduce these risks by making a few simple adjustments to your work environment and habits. There's no need to revolutionize your practice overnight: small changes can have a big impact over time. Here are four practical tips you can apply in your practice today:

1. Adjust the examination couch to the correct height: Always adjust the height of the examination table before each examination. The aim is to avoid bending over excessively or raising your arms too high. Ideally, your table should be height-adjustable so that it can be quickly adjusted for each patient. Keep your back as straight as possible during the examination—don't hesitate to move the patient or equipment closer rather than bending your spine. A properly adjusted couch helps avoid strained arms and a hunched back, which can cause so many problems.
2. Choose an ergonomic stool: Spending hours sitting on a wobbly stool that is too low or too high is a sure way to get back pain. Choose an ergonomic seat that is stable, height-adjustable, and easy to move. A well-padded seat (saddle-type or with lumbar support) helps maintain a healthy posture. Adjust the height of your stool so that your thighs are horizontal and your feet are flat on the floor, with your knees at ~90°. This relieves pressure on your lower back and prevents you from working in a hunched position. Also, remember to move closer to the patient by rolling rather than twisting into an awkward position to reach the area you need to examine.
3. Position your equipment optimally: Organize your space to minimize unnecessary twisting and contortions. Place the computer screen at eye level, facing you, so that you don't have to keep your neck tilted to the side all the time. If you use an ultrasound machine, position the screen and console so that you can access them without twisting (for example, a mobile screen that can be moved as close as possible to your field of vision). Keep the instruments you use often within easy reach: otoscope, reflex hammer, ultrasound gel... nothing should require you to stretch or bend over for too long to reach it. A small side table next to the couch, a mobile cart, or well-designed shelves can make all the difference. In short, adapt the environment to you: the equipment should be adjusted to your working posture, not the other way around.
4. Take regular active breaks: Even busy days should include a few micro-breaks. Every 60 to 90 minutes, allow yourself at least 2 minutes to move around. Get up from your chair if you've been sitting for a long time, or take advantage of an administrative break to stretch. Do a few simple movements: roll your shoulders, gently stretch your neck to each side, relax your wrists... The idea is to break out of a static posture and relax the muscles you've been using. These active breaks reduce accumulated tension and improve your concentration for the rest of the day. Tip: take advantage of a phone call to walk around the office a bit, or take a few steps between appointments—your body will thank you.

Conclusion: take care of yourself so you can take better care of others

As a healthcare professional, you are your main tool of the trade. Preventing MSDs is not a luxury: it is essential for maintaining your enjoyment of your work over the long term, in good conditions. A few ergonomic adjustments and posture habits can prevent a lot of pain and discomfort. So why not take a fresh look at your office today? Adjusting a chair, repositioning a lamp, planning real breaks... these small changes show your body that you are listening to it.