Measurement of the level of exposure to whole-body vibration and frequency of symptoms and spine radiographic anormalities of ambulance operators

Introduction
The study presents the findings about the exposure to full body vibrations monitoring and presence of musculoskeletal complains and radiographic abnormalities in the spine of ambulance operators.

Methods
Vibration was measured with an accelerator in the X-Y axis taking measurements in an ambulance Model 2008. A group of 14 drivers of ambulance were recruited and a complete medical history, a musculoskeletal complains questionnaire and rays "X" test of spine were performed.

Results
The vibration exposure results after monitoring 4-hour exposure showed values ??of acceleration in the X-Y axis that exceeded the permissible limit at the frequencies of 1, 1.3 and 1.6 KHz. It was observed the association among spine radiographic abnormalities, such as scoliosis and and osteophytes symptoms such as low back pain, nerves´ compression (Lassage sign positive), and headache. Operators´ Body Mass Index was associated to low back pain, headache and hypo responsiveness. During their job ambulance operators made an important physical lifting and carrying patients, the forced movement was also related to musculoskeletal symptoms. The most common symptoms in the studied workers were low back pain (60%), a signs of nerve´s compression 40% and headache a 66.6%.

Discussion
The results showed different clinical manifestations possibly related to full-body vibrations. It should be mentioned that the spine injuries are multifactorial and not exclusive of mechanical vibrations. However, vibration´s exposure and other factors present in their job may cause the observed damages.