Dentistry and Physical Wellness

[Darkskies]

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Hi,
I know this topic has been discussed before but many of the older threads on the subject never really seemed to get many responses or the posts digressed from answering the question.

How hard is Dentistry on one's neck/back over the years? I've heard obtaining a pair of loupes greatly reduces the physical strain but doesn't completely eliminate it. Besides after 20+ years in the field I bet what little amount of strain there is(due to the loupes) adds up. Is there any way to eliminate neck/back pains and future complications? Is exercise the only viable option(What type of exercise?)? I'm about average height for a male(5'11'') but very thin(like 120-128 lbs). Not sure if that really matters but am I at an advantage or a disadvantage? Thanks a lot!
Darkskies

 

[Thaxil]

Being such a lightweight, I would be more concern about pissing off a patient, and that patient ripping my arms off. Exercise, strength training is the only way to stay in the game, and that is with anything you do. Even pencil pushers need strength training. I have been doing dentistry for only 2years, but I have yet to have a sore neck or back. I think a bigger threat is the seasonal cold or flu every year that will put you to bed.

Hi,
I know this topic has been discussed before but many of the older threads on the subject never really seemed to get many responses or the posts digressed from answering the question.

How hard is Dentistry on one's neck/back over the years? I've heard obtaining a pair of loupes greatly reduces the physical strain but doesn't completely eliminate it. Besides after 20+ years in the field I bet what little amount of strain there is(due to the loupes) adds up. Is there any way to eliminate neck/back pains and future complications? Is exercise the only viable option(What type of exercise?)? I'm about average height for a male(5'11'') but very thin(like 120-128 lbs). Not sure if that really matters but am I at an advantage or a disadvantage? Thanks a lot!
Darkskies

 

[DudeDDS]

I'm about average height for a male(5'11'') but very thin(like 120-128 lbs).

😱 😱 😱 😱 😱 😱 😱 😱 😱
Forget about your neck; you got tapeworms, dude! 😱

 

[yuppers]

Forget about your neck; you got tapeworms, dude! 😱

Nice.

 

[yuppers]

Finding a good chiropractor down the line will probably be a back saver.

For the weight lifting, focus on your core (abs and back).

 

[jay47]

Finding a good chiropractor down the line will probably be a back saver.

For the weight lifting, focus on your core (abs and back).

I don't know man, having a very large gut may pull your lumbar region forward, and might keep your back in the correct position. Lol, jk.

 

[Darkskies]

I just finished reading all of your replies to my thread. First of all, I really am that skinny and apparently not for any health reasons that I know of since I eat as much or more than the average person. It could possibly have something to do with the fact that I was born premature. I don't know. In any case it doesn't seem like any of my efforts to gain significant weight have worked out.

Regarding this fact do you think it would be unwise of me to enter the field of dentistry since back/neck pain and physical exhaustion is so common and these negative aspects of the field might take more of a toll on me than the average person due to my small frame and lack of physical strength? LOL. There's no sense in not admitting what's true, right?.

On top of all this, I'm not too confident on having the hand skills necessary for dentistry and that is another concern of mine(though everyone seems to suggest that these skills are gained by 99% or more of dental students). In light of all this do you think I might have the potential to be a decent dentist? I really do appreciate all replies and your advice is very important to me since I'm torn about what profession to pursue(and what to do with my life in general) and would hate to regret making an awful decision! Thanks so much,
Darkskies

 

[Darkskies]

Anyone?

 

[jay47]

I just finished reading all of your replies to my thread. First of all, I really am that skinny and apparently not for any health reasons that I know of since I eat as much or more than the average person. It could possibly have something to do with the fact that I was born premature. I don't know. In any case it doesn't seem like any of my efforts to gain significant weight have worked out.

Regarding this fact do you think it would be unwise of me to enter the field of dentistry since back/neck pain and physical exhaustion is so common and these negative aspects of the field might take more of a toll on me than the average person due to my small frame and lack of physical strength? LOL. There's no sense in not admitting what's true, right?.

On top of all this, I'm not too confident on having the hand skills necessary for dentistry and that is another concern of mine(though everyone seems to suggest that these skills are gained by 99% or more of dental students). In light of all this do you think I might have the potential to be a decent dentist? I really do appreciate all replies and your advice is very important to me since I'm torn about what profession to pursue(and what to do with my life in general) and would hate to regret making an awful decision! Thanks so much,
Darkskies

try and visit a dental school and observe the students. Maybe they will let you do a little stuff yourself, and see how hard it is. I don't think that it is too terribly bad for your body. You must MAKE yourself practice good posture.

 

[bigstix808]

regardless of your size, keep your abs and lower back (read - "core") strong and you should be ok. the hand stuff comes with time. if there is a dentist you are shadowing and you two are friends, see if he'll let oyu mess around with some of the lab stuff they might have lying around and see if you can get a feel for it. thats what i did - waxed a #8 (poorly might i add) before i even got to dschool 😎

 

[Primary]

Your hands are your life. Take care of them. I'd avoid risky behaviors such as contact sports, karate, etc.

As far as how skilled they are...some of us are gifted, others just get by.
School will teach you a little bit, but years of practice will teach you what works best in YOUR hands, and don't be afraid to refer out what you hate/suck at.

You should live by the mantra "manage your own d*mn complications", if you can't, don't do whatever that procedure happens to be. Don't be a cowboy, or you'll have to work cowboy hours.

As to physical fitness, I am a huge believer in keeping yourself physically fit in order to meet the mental and physical challenges of a typical work day.

My partner has had to scale back her work due to back pain.
Compressed disc, L2 I believe. Very common.

My particular specialty can be VERY physically demanding.
All of the other docs in my office use loupes.
I'm blessed with 20/20 no correction necessary eyes, and loupes give me vertigo. Add to that my targets are often moving.....no thanks.
Others swear by them. To each his/her own.

But remember your posture.
USE your mirror, don't rubberneck.

Work out moderately every day. I do it first thing, 0600 every morning.
Cardio one day, light lifting the next, with a focus on the midsection.

Never had to miss a day at the salt mine for back pain in 10 years.
Actually, never missed a day EVER in 10 years due to any illness.