Controlling Dentistry-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders with Ergonomic Interventions in Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

Controlling Dentistry-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders with Ergonomic Interventions in Lahore, Pakistan

Marriyam Nasar , Maham Shahid 1 , Farwa Rubab 2 , Hazik Bin Shahzad 3* , Minam Qureshi 2 4 , Pakiza Batool 5

1 Institute of Social and Cultural Studies, University of the Punjab, Lahore 54590, Pakistan 2 Department of Oral Surgery, Rashid Latif Dental College, Lahore 54770, Pakistan 3 Department of Community and Preventive Dentistry, Rashid Latif Dental College, Lahore 54770, Pakistan 4 Department of Oral Surgery, de’Montmorency College of Dentistry, Lahore 54110, Pakistan 5 Al-Aleem Medical and Dental College, Lahore 54000, Pakistan

Abs tra c t Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) usually result from a prolonged static position and repetitive movements. A comfortable environment, appropriate working position, and multiple short breaks could alleviate MSDs. While the occasional back or neck ache is not a cause for alarm, regularly occurring pain or discomfort, if ignored, may further develop into an injury or career-ending disability. Methods: A total of 370 dentists were selected from two dental hospitals and multiple dental clinics in Lahore, Pakistan. Current MSDs were recorded with the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire (SNQ). Information sheets containing dental ergonomics and back and tendon-gliding exercises were distributed among the participants. The SNQ questionnaire was repeated after a 3month interval.

Results:

MSDs were found to be present in 59.5% of the clinicians surveyed. Males dentists were significantly more prone to MSDs than female ones (p <0.001), and senior dentists had significantly fewer MSDs than younger dentists. The intervention of ergonomic guidelines and exercises led to a reduction in MSDs among dental clinicians, with neck pain being significantly reduced (p = 0.003). Conclusions: MSDs affect the clinical practice of dental surgeons. Thus, incorporating more detailed ergonomics at the undergraduate level, along with the wider dissemination of correct dental postures, techniques, stretching, and rest to dentists, should be emphasized.

K e ywo rds : dentistry, ergonomics, exercise, microbreaks, musculoskeletal disorders