Dentists have a high occupational risk of neck disorders with impact on somatosensory function and neck mobility

Abstract

Objectives Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the neck and shoulder region may be associated with significant impairment of quality of life and well‐being. The study was to determine the prevalence of painful MSDs in Chinese dentists and evaluate somatosensory function and neck mobility compared with non‐dental professional controls. Methods One hundred dentists (age: 36.5 ± 9.8 years) and 102 controls (age: 36.2 ± 10.0 years) were recruited between September 2019 and December 2020. The Medical Outcome Study 36‐item short‐form health survey questionnaire and information of MSDs history were recorded. The cervical range of motion (CROM) with and without pain, and the pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) of the facial and neck muscles were tested. Chi‐square test, Mann‐Whitney U test and multiple linear regression analysis were used to analyze the data. The factors in the multiple linear regression analysis were occupation, working age, and gender. Results The prevalence rate of neck pain was significantly higher in dentists (73.0%) compared with the controls (52.0%) ( P = .002). The regression models of cervical range of posterior extension, lateral flexion and rotation were statistically significant ( P ≤ .001). The regression models of PPTs of the tested facial and neck muscles were statistically significant ( P < .001). Conclusion Dentists are at higher risk of neck pain. The bigger cervical range of left rotation of dentists could be related to the working posture. The lower PPTs in dentists may reflect a hypersensitivity in the facial and neck muscles. Preventive measures are needed to reduce occupational hazards in dentists.

The Correlation between Neck Pain and Disability, Forward Head Posture, and Hyperkyphosis with Opium Smoking: A Cross-Sectional Study from Iran

“…Similar to the findings of the present study on opium smokers, previous studies have also found that dentists who work for several hours a day in harmful positions are at risk of developing various types of neck musculoskeletal disorders [ 49 , 50 ]. Prolonged sitting in non-ergonomic positions has a proven correlation with neck pain.…”

Poor neck posture and longer working duration during root canal treatment correlated with increased neck discomfort in dentists with &lt;5-years' experience in endodontics

“…Thus, the participants in this study did not use a microscope and loupes to reflect the clinical practice of most dentists in Thailand. A study of the prevalence of painful MSDs in Chinese dentists indicated that ergonomic training courses and physical activity might be beneficial for dentists in alleviating or preventing MSDs 33 . Based on our findings, effective measures are required to prevent dentists from adopting compromised and harmful neck postures during endodontic treatment.…”

“…A study of the prevalence of painful MSDs in Chinese dentists indicated that ergonomic training courses and physical activity might be beneficial for dentists in alleviating or preventing MSDs. 33 Based on our findings, effective measures are required to prevent dentists from adopting compromised and harmful neck postures during endodontic treatment. Possible effective interventions may include the use of microscopes and loupes as well as an ergonomic training program.…”

Association Between Opium Smoking and Neck and Upper Spine Posture Disorders

“…In addition, a similar relationship between the number of hours working at the computer and the higher occurrence of neck disability in office workers has been shown (33). Studies conducted on dentists and farmers have also confirmed the effect of harmful positions due to work-related posture with a higher probability of neck pain and disability (34,35). Considering that in the previous studies, there has been no correlation between neck pain and disability and FHP with the drug use duration (36), it seems that the causal relationship with opium smoking duration is strengthened.…”