DT News - MEA - Vast majority of dental professionals have back problems

Dental Tribune International

Tue. 26 January 2016

save

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are a significant and increasing problem. It is generally estimated that 60–90 per cent of people will suffer from low back disorders at some point in their life. A study conducted in Saudi Arabia has recently confirmed that dentists in particular are at high risk of shoulder, neck and back pain owing to static and awkward working positions.

In the study, 60 male and female dentists with a mean age of 25.7 completed an anonymous questionnaire on low back pain.

About 70 per cent of the participants complained of back pain, with low back pain predominating in almost 48 per cent of cases. Over half of the dentists in the study (57 per cent) treated one to three patients per day. According to the researchers, the literature suggests some associated factors are age of the dentist, number of patients treated per day, and type of cases handled. However, they found that the incidence of back pain did not correlate with years of experience or with the number of patients treated or number of hours worked per day.

The study further found that only 17 per cent exercised during rest periods, but 57 per cent took breaks during their working hours. According to the researchers, this is a major concern with regard to the high incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among dentists.

The researchers stated that work-related low back pain in dentists could possibly be attributed to the imbalance between the low back and abdominal muscles that occurs in the sitting posture. In addition, repeated leaning towards the patient may lead to strain and overexertion in the low back extensor muscles, while the deep abdominal muscles of stabilisation become weaker.

Although 63 per cent of the study participants were aware that using assistive tools could improve posture, only 40 per cent used assistive devices.

While many of the dentists in the study reported low back pain, only 9.5 per cent complained of severe pain and over 90 per cent described the pain as mild to moderately intense. “We assume that this could be the reason why most dentists do not seek consultation with an orthopedic surgeon or physical therapist for their back problems,” the researchers said.

They recommended the practice of relaxation and stretching exercises during breaks to minimise the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders, as well as the improvement of postures while working.

The study, titled “Prevalence of and risk factors for low back pain among dentists”, was published in the September 2015 issue of the Journal of Physical Therapy Science. It was conducted at the King Abdulaziz University in Saudi Arabia.

To post a reply please login or register

Majority of dental professionals in Norway concerned about SARS-CoV-2 infection

OSLO, Norway: Norway has not had a virus outbreak similar to SARS-CoV-2 in the past and did not have national recommendations for infection prevention and ...

SWISS DENTAL ACADEMY – for Professionals by Professionals

Given its continuing education and training concept, the SWISS DENTAL ACADEMY is one of the key pacesetters in dental prophylaxis training.

Translux Wave - For save, sustainable polymerisation

Translux Wave is a LED curing light for the polymerisation of dental materials such as adhesives and composites.

Children with dental problems may experience more bullying

AMMAN, Jordan: Although the phenomenon of bullying has received growing attention from scientists, only few studies have investigated the impact of ...

Beyond expectations: CAPP's largest event ever draws over 5,000 dental professionals

During the 28-27 October 2023, dental professionals, dental experts, top international speakers and the dental industry, convened at the 36th Int’l Dental...

Interview: “Applying 3D printing technologies of tomorrow to supply chain problems of today”

Sinterex is a manufacturing company which specialises in the mass production of customised products using 3D printing technology (Additive Manufacturing). ...

3D Printing in Dental: Ready for Adoption by the Majority

Last year I published an article on LinkedIn: “3D Printing: Sustainable Additive Innovations Transforming the Dental Industry.” In this article, I ...

Interview: “The mission of the Straumann Group is to serve dental professionals worldwide”

At the Straumann Group, Charbel Saad is the area sales manager for the central and eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa region. In an interview in light ...

How to avoid back pains in dental work

The pains caused by the common back degeneration, which is the result from traditional ergonomics, are the constant nuisance in dental work. Avoiding this ...

Dental study of ancient chewing gum informs about oral microbiomes of the past

COPENHAGEN, Denmark: Though its popularity and constituent ingredients have changed over time, chewing gum has been used by humans for thousands of years. A...

Education

Live webinar
Mon. 22 April 2024
6:00 pm UAE (Dubai)