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Occupational and Non-Occupational Risk Factors for Neck Pain in Dentists: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Ehsan Rafeemanesh1, Farzad Omidi-Kashani2, Alireza Chamani3
1Department of Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
The Archives of Bone and Joint Surgery
|July 11, 2025
Summary
Neck pain is a significant occupational hazard for dentists. Factors like age, gender, experience, and posture increase risk, while physical activity and stretching can reduce it.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Ergonomics
- Dental Medicine
Background:
- Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), particularly neck pain, represent a critical occupational health concern within the dental profession.
- Identifying significant risk factors is crucial for developing targeted prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze the existing literature to identify key risk factors associated with neck pain in dentists.
- To provide quantitative evidence on the prevalence and impact of these risk factors.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted on PubMed and Scopus using the keywords (neck AND dentist AND pain).
- Data from 42 cross-sectional studies were reviewed, with 34 included in the meta-analysis.
- Odds ratios (OR) were calculated to determine the effect size for each risk factor.
Main Results:
- Significant risk factors for dentists' neck pain include age over 40, female gender, over 10 years of working experience, and height exceeding 180 cm.
- Physical activity (OR=0.2) and stretching (OR=0.6) were associated with a significantly lower risk of neck pain.
- The use of vibrating tools (OR=1.6) and compromised/harmful postures increased the risk of neck pain.
Conclusions:
- Older age, extended working experience, and poor cervical posture are significant risk factors for neck pain in dentists.
- Implementing ergonomic improvements, regular physical activity, rest breaks, stretching, and utilizing indirect vision are vital for mitigating neck pain risk.
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