Back and Neck Problems Among Dentists and Dental Auxiliaries

2956

Back and Neck Problems Among Dentists and Dental Auxiliaries

Al Wazzan KA, Almas K, Al Shethri SE, Al-Qahtani MQ

Department of Prosthetic Dental Sciences,
King Saud University College of Dentistry,
Riyadh, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
alwazzan@ksu.edu.sa


In the practice of dentistry, stress, tension, and postural practices can contribute to back and neck problems. Two hundred and four dentists and dental auxiliary (87 males and 117 females) in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia were surveyed to determine the prevalence of postural problems. The candidates were interviewed and observed during practice. The data obtained showed that 111 (54.4%) of the subjects complained of neck pain and 150 (73.5%) complained of back pain. Only 37% of those complaining of back pain sought medical help. Within the limitations of this study, it might be concluded that neck and back pain among dental personnel are not of a severe nature.

I am writing this author to determine if they have chiropractic available to them, and if alternatives to “medical care” were considered. In this country, “medical care” comprises (mostly) prescription of muscle relaxants, or application of physical therapy modalities (heat, ultrasound etc), most of which do not address the postural contributors to pain, or may even exacerbate symptoms. I sent them contact information for their local Chiropractic Association for more information.