Musculoskeletal disorders in dentists

Occupational injuries involving musculoskeletal tissues are often related to repetitive movements of upper limbs and prolonged postures such as sitting and standing--activities common in dentistry. Surveys of the incidence of musculoskeletal disorders among dentists are few, but in Nebraska, 29 percent of more than 1,000 dentists reported symptoms of peripheral neuropathy in the upper limbs or neck. The Nebraskan dentists reported that crown and bridge work was most likely to evoke altered sensations in their upper limbs. Furthermore, since 47 percent of carpal tunnel syndrome cases in the general population are work-related and are often associated with repetitive motions, it is reasonable to suspect that dentists may be at risk for this musculoskeletal disorder. And, since it is estimated that 60 percent to 80 percent of adults will experience low back pain at one time or another, resulting in it being the second leading cause of absences from work in the general population, dental practitioners are most likely to be among those susceptible to this problem. This article focuses on two ailments afflicting dentists: carpal tunnel syndrome and low back pain.