Risk factors associated with musculoskeletal symptoms in Korean dental practitioners

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between psychosocial stress, occupational stress, and musculoskeletal symptoms in Korean dental practitioners. [Subjects and Methods] Self-reported questionnaires were distributed to 401 dental practitioners in Korea. To assess the risk factors related to musculoskeletal disorders, the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, the Korean Occupational Stress Scale, and Psychosocial Well-Being Index Short Form were used. General and work-related characteristics of the subjects consisted of seven items, including age, career, height, weight, working days/week, working hours/day, and physical strain levels. [Results] In this study, 86.8% of the practitioners experienced musculoskeletal symptoms (shoulders, 72.8%; neck, 69.3%; waist, 68.3%; wrist, 58.4%; back, 44.1%; ankle, 38.7%; knee, 36.9%; hip, 20.4%; and elbows, 9.2%). Moreover, psychosocial and occupational stress can affect the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders. In particular, we found that psychosocial stress has significant influence on the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders. [Conclusion] To increase the quality of life and provide high-quality medical service for dental practitioners, risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders must be managed. Accordingly, dental practitioners must maintain good posture, get an appropriate amount of rest, and perform regular stretching exercise to reduce psychological stress and improve the work environment.

Prevalence and occupational risk factors of musculoskeletal diseases and pain among dental professionals in Western countries: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis

“…Often, several factors play a role in the development of musculoskeletal diseases and pain, and the respective degree of influence is difficult to determine. Kihun et al stated that musculoskeletal diseases and pain are influenced by physical, occupational, and socio psychological factors (see background) [8]. Hence, occupational risk factors are one of a number of factors contributing to the causation of musculoskeletal diseases and pain [70].…”

“…As a result, it is necessary to have a deep understanding of the development and the occupational etiology of musculoskeletal diseases and pain among dental professionals. Musculoskeletal diseases and pain are influenced by various factors, including physical (e.g., height, weight, sex), occupational (e.g., overuse of a body region, uncomfortable posture, insufficient breaks), and socio-psychological characteristics (e.g., high work intensity, stress) [8].…”

Dentists?? Health Influencing Psycho-Physiological Factors during Work

“…26% of dentists experience numbness in hands after finishing work, 18% admits that they feel sickness, imbalance or dizziness after work [8][9][10][11][12][13].…”

Relationship of Chronic LBP (Low Back Pain) with Hamstring Tightness in Professionals

“…Pain worsen due to prolonged standing specifically in persons who previously have back pain because in these individual's pattern of activation of low back muscles is altered owing to the activation of pain and spasm cycle 11 . Over utilization of body parts, abnormal posture, height, sex, weight and high intensity of working, mental and emotional strain all these factors cause musculoskeletal disorder and low back pain 12 . Hamstring muscles in lumbar flexed position maintain the spinal curve.…”