Spinal and temporo-mandibular disorders in male workers of the State Police.

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study are to evaluate the prevalence of disorders of the lumbar region and the temporo-mandibular district co-morbidity in drivers and workers of the State Police employed for different office activities.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

The study population included 103 drivers as cases and 100 police officers as controls. The study was carried out through questionnaire and clinical evaluation of the spine and temporo-mandibular region.

RESULTS

At clinical examination, the drivers were found to have a higher prevalence (p < 0.05) of both symptoms and clinical signs at the spine and temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ), when compared with the controls. The results also showed a higher prevalence (p < 0.05) of co-morbidity in the two districts among the drivers, when compared with the controls.

CONCLUSIONS

These results confirm that morbidity related to back and TMJ and increase in co-morbidity between the two districts are higher in professional drivers.