Shaky hands

[hye345]

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Since the pre-dental forum has gotten threads about the physical strains of dentistry (back problems, wrist pain) in the last few days, I thought I would make my own.

I know that being a dentist requires that you keep your hands steady while 'working'. Here is my problem: every once in a while (like once or twice a month), my hands and fingers involuntarily shake lightly (I would use the word 'spasm', but it sounds too extreme). The shaking lasts about 20-30 seconds each time. I think its because I crack my knuckles sometimes, but I'm not sure.

Granted I'm not even in college yet, so it might lessen/go away in the coming years; but if it doesn't, will dentistry be out of the question for me?

 

[2quik]

I noticed that after i lift weights, my hands will be a bit shaky a few days afterward....

 

[PlanB21]

Don't worry about that unless you have a diagnosed medical problem. I took up model painting last year and from what I remember, in about 2-3 months, my hands stoped shaking. You just get used to it and all dentists use finger rests while they are doing procedures. I start school D school next week so we will see if the painting has helped.

 

[Lingual View]

I was really worried about the same thing....Google "essential tremors." I asked an orthopedic surgeon about the shakiness and thats what he told me. He said he had a friend who is a great surgeon and in consults he is shaking like crazy but the second that surgery starts he is smooth as glass, one of the best surgeons around. A good test is if can you draw a straight line across a piece of paper. Usually once your hands have a purposeful action the shaking will stop. Also blood sugar levels can have a lot to do with it. Thats why that other guy shakes after lifting weights. Dentists use fulcrum points....ie they hold their ring finger on someones chin while using a hand piece so that they can stay steady. You should be fine unless you have Parkinson's or some other serious nervous system disorder. You can see a neurologist if its really bugging you and they'll clear your conscience.

 

[TermiNadder2012]

I also tend toward having some type of unsteadiness in my hands, but it is minimal. I spoke with my father who recommended I take Vitamin B-12 supplments along with Folic Acid as well as take Mg and Ca citrate supplements. The following day my hands were very steady. the b-12/folic acid is for the nerves and the Mg/ Ca also helps with their function as well as many other biological mechanisms in your body. Thus for me, the problem was nutrient deficiency and even if it isn't that, those supplements should help you (I purchased the supplements from Walmart the B-12 was the Rexall brand for the other supplements my dad said any will do). Good luck. Also as a side note the nerves that go to hands originate at the neck so if there is some type of sublixation or misalignment in the neck, it could effect your hands so maybe an adjustment to your neck and upper back could help (my father is a physician/chiropractor).

 

[vize]

Every single human being who holds their hand out without any support will shake. When you're doing anything in dentistry, you will be holding something. If you're still shaking while holding something and working, then yeah I would worry.

 

[djeffreyt]

Uh...once or twice a month for 20-30 seconds?

You could just take your hands out of the patients mouth, if your even doing a procedure, wait for it to pass, and then keep going. If it's that infrequest, it doesn't matter.

 

[Electrons]

I just read your post outloud and my gf said "simple, stop playing with the chicken"
😱

Silly women! anyway, i noticed stress can cause hand trembling. Are you taking any med? I would check with the doc. Some of them have this side effect. My friend does it sometime when we shoot pool, but that was because he has mini epilepsy moments. Do you smoke?

 

[hye345]

I just read your post outloud and my gf said "simple, stop playing with the chicken"
😱

Silly women! anyway, i noticed stress can cause hand trembling. Are you taking any med? I would check with the doc. Some of them have this side effect. My friend does it sometime when we shoot pool, but that was because he has mini epilepsy moments. Do you smoke?

Not quite sure what you meant by the chicken bit (I have a pretty good idea, but I don't want to put it in writing😛).

I am not taking any meds, and I do not smoke. However, one thing that i forgot to point out was that its not always my fingers; sometimes, other parts of my body tremor lightly.

 

[Electrons]

Not quite sure what you meant by the chicken bit (I have a pretty good idea, but I don't want to put it in writing😛).

I am not taking any meds, and I do not smoke. However, one thing that i forgot to point out was that its not always my fingers; sometimes, other parts of my body tremor lightly.

Heh you don't wanna know what she means.

Any accident or trauma in your life? Did you ever take any forbidden drug? Was it always like that when you were born?

My friend never had epilepsy before until he got hit with a metal pole on the head at his grandfather's farm. 1 year later, the symptoms showed up.

I would check with your doc.