Can my neck/back handle dental school?

[Toofscum]

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I'm a 28 year old post-bacc who is deciding between med school vs. dental. I truly believe that dental would satisfy more of my interests, except for one thing: I have really bad neck pain right now, that's been there for 5 years already. My neck hurts on one side nearly every day, kind of a dull ache and it's full of muscle knots. I also easily injure it such as when carrying a bag of groceries wrong or opening a heavy door.

If my neck hurts now--I'd say on a daily basis it's a 4 on a 10 pain scale--annoying but not enough to make me take any meds for it--do you think I should even consider dentistry? I don't have any back problems but I'm concerned that they could start.

Also, I'm a pretty small woman--very thin, not muscular at all, very petite--so I'm concerned that this will also influence how much neck/back pain I'd get as opposed to a more muscular/athletic person. My cousin is a dentist, and she's built very muscular, and she's complaining of neck and back pain after only 2 months in practice, which is why I'm asking.

Thanks,

Toof

 

[drhobie7]

Either you'll learn to use indirect vision (mouth mirror) really well or you'll constantly be in a lot of pain. Sounds pretty risky to me. I would hold off and try and fix your neck.

 

[Toofscum]

Can you guys give me an idea of what type/how much pain you get, without already having a pre-existing pain condition?

Also, I'm not sure what I can do to fix it. I've been to a chiro, who's helped a lot, and I've also been to an MD ortho surgeon, who told me the x-rays showed nothing--but I'm still in pain! Not much you can do with that.

 

[drhobie7]

I don't have neck or back pain but I never had chronic neck or back pain before I started. You might want to consider seeing a neurologist. There's a lot more that could be going on besides bones and muscles, namely nerves.

 

[Dental Mom]

I have a bad neck too with 3 hernias from a car accident 9 yrs ago. I'm cosntantly taking care of it. Therapy for the rest of my life is mandatory. I had an MRI to finally confirm what X rays never showed.

I also go to a chiro who knows what he's doing. The best thing has been accupunture. I have to take muscle relaxants few times a week (for now) to avoid a muscle spasm. I have asked every specialist about my condition and dentistry and they all say "there's no reason why not become a dentist".....sometimes I have a muscle spasm that leaves me paralized and I have to get cortizone shots in my back. My Drs have change my treatment, so it's been months since I had my last muscle spasm.

It's been easy to change things around. I don't read a book without a stand & I'm careful with heavy things. I'm taking supplements to help cartilage & a natural herb that gives you the same result of a valium pill without the terrible sleeping 🙂 I feel my best when I work out and do light weight training.

My dentists friends say that by the time I graduate, there's going to be so much out there to protect your back and neck. I'm on top of things and don't feel handicap or anything. You have to be more agressive at finding out what's wrong with your neck. Don't settle for a chiro. adjusment only. My therapy at the chiro. is 4 things: heat therapy, 30 mins massage, traction (my favorite), and last the chiro adjustment....if my neck is too tight then the physical therapist comes in to help with stretching. I sleep with a water pillow & always travel with it. In June while in Vegas my neck started acting up after 6 planes, and lack of sleep. I went to those water machine you see in Malls and came out of that thing new!

I don't believe it matters if you are petite to be a dentist. you won't be lifting people and all you need is your hands to work. As you do more and more work your hands become stronger.

Sorry this is so long. I feel your pain and it's a real every day issue, and I just wanted to let you know that there's a lot you can do to feel better and keep your neck strong and healthy. Good luck

 

[QTpieDMD]

Being petite is not a bad thing. You're working with your fingers and writsts not weight lifting. However, if you're undecided between dental and medical school I really think you should look into medical. A lot of pain/problems has to do with posture. If you're bent over like the Hunchback of Notre Dame all day you may end up with complications. I would get everything checked out and ask a dentists and/or physicians opinion if you can aggravate your back problem and shadow/assist some dentists to really find out if it's up your alley.

 

[12YearOldKid]

I am healthy and young (28) and developed chronic lower back pain after about 6 months of seeing patients. I started working out with special emphasis on abs and back and found that the pain went away.

But in your situation I would probably lean towards med school.

 

[Smilemaker100]

😉

I'm a 28 year old post-bacc who is deciding between med school vs. dental. I truly believe that dental would satisfy more of my interests, except for one thing: I have really bad neck pain right now, that's been there for 5 years already. My neck hurts on one side nearly every day, kind of a dull ache and it's full of muscle knots. I also easily injure it such as when carrying a bag of groceries wrong or opening a heavy door.

If my neck hurts now--I'd say on a daily basis it's a 4 on a 10 pain scale--annoying but not enough to make me take any meds for it--do you think I should even consider dentistry? I don't have any back problems but I'm concerned that they could start.

Also, I'm a pretty small woman--very thin, not muscular at all, very petite--so I'm concerned that this will also influence how much neck/back pain I'd get as opposed to a more muscular/athletic person. My cousin is a dentist, and she's built very muscular, and she's complaining of neck and back pain after only 2 months in practice, which is why I'm asking.

Thanks,

Toof

Every profession has its "work related hazards" and musculoskeletal problems is one of main ones for the dental profession. 👎

As a dental student and resident, I didn't notice any type of back aches of any sort. However, there is a history of sciatica in my mom's side of the family so I am going to have to become more precautious.

In the mall where my clinic is situated, there were a few chiropractors doing free assessments with their temperature scanners. It indicated some "hot spots" along my upper back where my trapezius muscles are located even though I haven't had any actual pain there YET but a little tension. Apparently, rowing exercises can improve these upper back muscles. As soon as I join a gym, I will start using the "rowing machine" again like I used to. I also love to kayak but don't own one but there is park near my place where I can rent them.

I think yoga is a good habit to pick up to strengthen your back and abdominal muscles. 👍 I have seen direct evidence of it with a long time friend of mine. I didn't see this friend for a period of 6 years and when I saw her this past spring, I remarked that she appeared to have "grown" a few inches in height! 😱 She then told me that she has been consciensciously practicing yoga for the past few years and that has not only helped her posture but appararently "stretched" her heightwise.

I am going to start working 13 hour days 5 days a week and Saturdays as well (about 70ish hours a week) soon and think I will have to look into the possibility of practicing yoga as a preventitive measure for back pain.

Wearing loupes is supposed to help with your back posture but I haven't purchased a pair yet. I'll wait and see...

Other occupational related "hazards" of dentistry which I have heard about are partial loss of hearing and visual problems. And sometimes insanity 😉

 

[DrTacoElf]

Get in the gym and start bulking up. Start light and progress up it will really help you.

 

[Smilemaker100]

Get in the gym and start bulking up. Start light and progress up it will really help you.

Yes, I have to go back into my gym routine again. A couple of years ago, I had a personal trainer who had me on a routine. But with my 70ish hour workweeks which will be starting soon, it will be a bit of a challenge to go often. I'll have to probably go in the early morning. I used to do all the weight machines for muscular strengthening and run on the treadmill/step machine for cardio. I am also a big time swimmer. Swimming is like a nice massage for the whole body. All in time...

 

[balance]

why do you have to work 70 hours a week?

A good life is in a balanced life

Yes, I have to go back into my gym routine again. A couple of years ago, I had a personal trainer who had me on a routine. But with my 70ish hour workweeks which will be starting soon, it will be a bit of a challenge to go often. I'll have to probably go in the early morning. I used to do all the weight machines for muscular strengthening and run on the treadmill/step machine for cardio. I am also a big time swimmer. Swimming is like a nice message for the whole body. All in time...

 

[gryffindor]

why do you have to work 70 hours a week?

$$$

 

[balance]

$$$

He better paste himself, otherwise, he will burn out. Not worth getting there without smelling the roses. Enjoy it, otherwise, your kids and your wife's boyfriend will enjoy your hard work.

Respect your body so you can work longer years with quality. By the way, don't forget that you became a dentist for having a better life not to become a slave. Take it easy and enjoy.

 

[Smilemaker100]

He better paste himself, otherwise, he will burn out. Not worth getting there without smelling the roses. Enjoy it, otherwise, your kids and your wife's boyfriend will enjoy your hard work.

Respect your body so you can work longer years with quality. By the way, don't forget that you became a dentist for having a better life not to become a slave. Take it easy and enjoy.

I believe in enjoying life's pleasures. If there is anyone in the world who believes in a balanced life, it is I. I am involved with a lot of different activities. Anyone who knows me can tell you that I do a lot of different things.

VERY EASY for you to say! How much in debt are you? How many years have you been in practice for? Do you have an established patient population?

All the dentists I have spoken to told me that in the first years of their career, they had to invest more time but that they eventually were able to afford cutting down their work days as time progressed. I hope to do the same-eventually.

At the beginning of one's career, it is normal that you have to invest more time. I realize that and am willing to work HARD. I eventually want to cut down to a 4 day work week but for the time being , I have to sacrifice but it doesn't even seem like a sacrifice.

I also happen to be single so my work takes priority. If I had kids and a husband/significant other, I would be singing a different tune. I believe in being a stay-at-home mom. As long as I am single, I will devote a lot of hours to my work.

Work keeps me busy. Work keeps me happy. I have a passion for my work- I love it! 😍

 

[Dental Mom]

Work keeps me busy. Work keeps me happy. I have a passion for my work- I love it! 😍

You go girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🙂

 

[12YearOldKid]

He better paste himself

Yeah, seriously. And preferably with the good stuff. 😀

 

[Gulch]

Yeah, seriously. And preferably with the good stuff. 😀

That's right. Just be sure to paste yourself in moderation.