The World Health Organization states that around 1.71 billion people around the world have musculoskeletal conditions.1 That’s 21% of the world’s population.
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) may be defined as “a group of diseases and complaints that affect different structures of the musculoskeletal system, including the nerves, tendons, muscles, joints, ligaments, bones, blood vessels, and supporting structures such as intervertebral discs.”2,3
Dentistry is not immune to these problems; in fact, some studies report at least 77% of dental professionals suffer from MSDs.4 MSDs can present differently depending on the role of the clinician. A 2018 study among dental professionals in Western countries reported 58.5% had neck pain, 56.4% had lower back pain, 43.1% had shoulder pain, and 41.1% had upper back pain.2,3 Another study found that dentists tend to report a higher prevalence of back and neck pain (36.3%–60.1% and 19.8%–85%, respectively), while dental hygienists suffer from more hand and wrist issues (60%–69.5%).5,6 How we use our bodies during work makes the biggest difference in the manifestation of pain.
Here are some articles from DentistryIQ and RDH magazine that can help you get rid of the pain from practicing dentistry every day. You’ll be able to learn from these clinicians.
My back hurts
Are you experiencing back pain? The way you sit or stand in the dental operatory can make a huge difference in how you feel at the end of the day. Here are some tips to help you right any muscular imbalances you may have.
My back hurts. What’s my pelvis got to do with it?
How to exercise correctly to avoid pain (part one)
How to exercise correctly to avoid pain (part two)
My hands hurt
Is hand pain normal for dental professionals? The short answer is no. Learn more about strategies you can use to minimize the pain you feel when using hand instruments and practicing dental hygiene.
How to avoid musculoskeletal injuries
Products that can support hand health
My neck and shoulders hurt
Pain is prevalent among dental clinicians. If you are suffering from chronic pain at the end of the workday, diagnosis and immediate attention to treatment is imperative. If you’re still in pain after trying some ergonomic strategies, these subtle tweaks can help.
Is your pain a nuisance, distressing, or debilitating?
Adopting ergonomics into your daily routine
References
- Musculoskeletal health. World Health Organization. July 14, 2022. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/musculoskeletal-conditions
- Kawtharani AA, Chemeisani A, Salman F, Younes AH, Msheik A. Neck and musculoskeletal pain among dentists: a review of the literature. Cureus. 2023;15(1):e33609. doi:10.7759/cureus.33609
- Lietz J, Kozak A, Nienhaus A. Prevalence and occupational risk factors of musculoskeletal diseases and pain among dental professionals in Western countries: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2018;13(12):e0208628. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0208628
- Bhatia V, Vaishya RO, Jain A, et al. Identification of prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and various risk factors in dentists. Heliyon. 2024;10(1):e23780. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23780
- Rehan K. The physical toll of dentistry. Academy of General Dentistry. September 19, 2022. https://agd.org/constituent/news/2022/09/19/the-physical-toll-of-dentistry
- Hayes MJ, Cockrell D, Smith DR. A systematic review of musculoskeletal disorders among dental professionals. Int J Dent Hyg. 2009;7(3):159-165. doi:10.1111/j.1601-5037.2009.00395.x
