Symptoms and Preventing Musculoskeletal Disorders in Dentistry

733 Words2 Pages

Musculoskeletal disorders can cause problems in dentistry workplace causing the ability to not be able to perform duties in the workplace. Musculoskeletal disorders have increased worldwide in the workplaces for the past decade. Work related injuries can also be a part of musculoskeletal disorders such as neck and shoulder, headaches, back pain, and carpal tunnel.
These are the main factors of musculoskeletal disorders in the dentistry field, in which this relate to the dentist and dental assistant. This research is more detailed in neck and shoulder pain, in which it explains the symptoms, prevention of the workplace and most likely the outcome to prevent the risk of the neck and shoulder pain injuries. Lack of upper extremity and inadequate work break can also be risk factors in dentistry. The severity of symptoms can go from mild periodic to severe chronic and debilitating conditions.
Symptoms in neck and shoulder pain include pain, numbness, and tingling. These symptoms can cause problems in the workplace or unable to perform daily tasks. The causes of musculoskeletal disorders include equipment that is poorly designed or improperly used. The use of various types of force by parts of the body; awkward posture; repetition; the use of maintain daily tasks. (http://www.bls.gov/news.release/osh2.nr0.htm.).
Symptoms starting from the neck create tension and the muscles began to tighten. The neck area is one of the major problems in modern society in which in the duration of sitting and twisting or bending of the trunk. Risk factors in this particular injury can be divided in three work related categories. Neck flexion, arm posture, arm force is evidence for neck pain and work related issues.( Scandinavian Journal of Work, E...

... middle of paper ...

...ne of the main occupational health hazards affecting dental practioners. The outcome on preventing these syndromes is to make sure the dentist and dental assistant positioned while sitting correctly in comfortable posture. Sitting position is the most important factor due to the neck and shoulder area. Forceful stress can be the main cause of the neck and shoulders. Using and passing the equipment and dental instruments properly.

To reduce discomfort in the neck and shoulder relax the arms and elbows to the side. This method will reduce the pain and aches less flexion to the neck. Following these important procedures in dentistry will decrease these musculoskeletal disorders.

References
1. . .( Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health © 2000
2. (http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2474/14/118
3. (http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2474/14/118

More about Symptoms and Preventing Musculoskeletal Disorders in Dentistry

Open Document