Is dentistry hard on the back

[Tokyo Buddha]

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[ToothFaireee]

I recently heard that a keynote speaker at an upcoming Canadian Dental Association conference is a doctor specializing in backs and posture.. I took from this that back issues are a real concern faced by dentist.. booooo

 

[nitrolegs]

i can also see how neck pain can be an issue too.

 

[supraman]

For people that are tall like myself (6 foot), I can certainly see it as a potential problem. Hell, even now I get some neck and lower back pain working out/ sittin in the cube @ work, running, etc...

I think this would better be posted in the actual DENTIST forum. If it's not moved, Ill post in there

 

[TAD]

Yes, it is hard on the back. I've heard from several dentists that this is a key issue. Something that comes with the job I suppose, just have to take the necessary steps to minimize back pain.

 

[xtapolapocetl]

Hi,

Long time lurker, first time poster.

For people that are tall like myself (6 foot), I can certainly see it as a potential problem. Hell, even now I get some neck and lower back pain working out/ sittin in the cube @ work, running, etc...

I think this would better be posted in the actual DENTIST forum. If it's not moved, Ill post in there

Did you know Greg Oden (7 ft 0 in) wanted to be a dentist? I guess someone his height could just be on their knees all day...

http://www.ajc.com/blogs/content/sh...mns/entries/2007/03/30/smart_oden_read_1.html

 

[Frizzle]

our backs, necks, and hands are our livelihood!

- get loupes. a correct working length will keep you in good posture
- take breaks and stretch often throughout the day
- exercise. add core-strengthening (lower back, abs) to your routine
- be conscious of how you are positioned. I find myself contorting sometimes, and it pays to correct your habits early.

a nice full body massage on Friday afternoons couldn't hurt either...........

 

[redSAX]

👍
"a nice full body massage on Friday afternoons couldn't hurt either...........

 

[grayzkule]

I know at the U of MN, they highly stress ergonomics and good posture. I think that'll help a lot, since I'm over 6 feet too.

 

[La fea]

Suddenly I don't feel so bad about being short 😀

 

[BillytheEchidna]

Suddenly I don't feel so bad about being short 😀

Me 'neither -- I'm 5'2". I think it'll be more of a challenge for me to pull teeth, but otherwise, being vertically challenged might be a blessing! I've also heard that we have fewer heart problems, in general.

I have issues with my back and wrists hurting sometimes... Yoga helps a lot!

 

[Svart Aske]

The dentist I shadowed has to regularly visit the chiropractor.

 

[Sephisabin]

We had a lecture on ergonomics and the instructor mentioned that something like 90% of dentists cut their career short due to back problems and 70% of 3rd year dental students across the country have chronic back pain. Suffice it to say, it really is a problem. I see people with poor posture all the time in lab. One of our instructors is always yelling at people for it too... he happens to have a couple of metal plates in his neck due to years of bad posture and, as a result, can't turn his head the side. Seriously, get loupes that have a very good declination angle.

 

[malibu06]

How about a harness that holds you in mid-air while you work on the patient? That would reduce craning the neck... LOL

I guess you could lose the helmet.... 🙂 HA HA

 

[Doctor Dj]

yep it is , but anal whiplash is worse ... just saying 🙂

 

[wigglytooth]

loupes almost made and almost instant impact on the stress in my back. they work by forcing you to stay a good distance away from your patient and by forcing you to have a good angle in your neck. breaks are very important too, and a heating pad/back massager for your chair would be a good gift to ask of someone.