Most x-ray technologists suffer from 'significant and diverse musculoskeletal' problems due to the physical stress and strain of their job, according to a study published this month in the International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. Dr Shrawan Kumar, a professor of physical therapy at the University of Alberta, found that 83 per cent of the x-ray technologists examined suffered from regular backaches, while 39 per cent of the female sample had regular neck pain. He believes the pain is due to excessive task demands - heavy lifting during manipulation of patients and equipment. 'I was horrified to see the kind of physical stress x-ray technologists go through,' Kumar said. 'They have the same physical stress level that heavy labourers have, but most heavy labour is intermittent work, and x-ray technologists work constantly.' Kumar said some of the work required by the technologists exceeds the permissible spinal load limits outlined by the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety. It is uncommon to find x-ray technologists beyond the age of 50, he said.