EFFECT OF JAW RELAXATION TECHNIQUE ON LOW BACK PAIN AND SELECTED VITAL SIGNS AMONG NURSING STAFF: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Abstract

Background: Nurses are repeatedly exposed to many forms of occupational hazards such as low back pain while doing their jobs. Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of jaw relaxation technique on low back pain and selected vital signs among nursing staff. Methodology: A randomized control clinical trial study design was utilized. A randomized sample composed of 60 adult male and female nurses working in both medical and surgical specialty departments in a governmental hospital in Egypt were recruited. Three tools were utilized for data collection: I. Demographic- and Work-Related Data, II. Numeric Pain rating scale (NPRS) and III. Medical related data. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart and respiratory rates, as well as low back pain score among nurses before and after practicing Jaw relaxation technique. While, no statistically significant difference was found in low back pain mean score and selected vital signs between post intervention 1& 2. Conclusion: Low back pain mean score improved among nurses after implementation of the jaw relaxation technique. Recommendation: Jaw relaxation technique is recommended to be endorsed as an adjuvant non-pharmacological pain management and coping strategy.