The musculoskeletal disorders (TEM) are the main cause of occupational diseases in the dentists worldwide due to the series of postures they adopt during work hours that end up affecting their musculoskeletal system.
In one survey carried out on 644 dentists, using the database of the Dominican College of Dentiststhe doctor David Antonio Berg analyzed which are the main diseases occupations that affect this union, results that he used to support his master’s thesis in Public Health.
In conversation with Free DiaryBerg commented that the motivation for investigation was that in the same building where he works, five of his colleagues presented conditions related to occupational diseases.
After analyzing the data, 53% of dentists respondents stated that they had suffered from pain associated with inflammation after a work day; 33.4% suffer from low back pain either pain located in the lower back; 22.2% of cervicalia (pain in the neck) and 11.2% presented carpal tunnel (wrist nerve condition).
In addition to inflammation60.4% of interviewed reported having suffered from TME; 25.5% experienced a tingling sensation and 18.6% experienced numbness.
Regarding the parts of the body most affected in dentists by musculoskeletal disordersBerg cited: the back, in 38% of those surveyed; the neck, in 26.9% and the shoulders in 21% of the sample.
“The continued use of toolsthe continuous use of one organ more than another, the over-abuse of the workload, added to ignorance about the benefits of ergonomics are usually the root of injuries,” said the dentist.
Regarding the specialties, the maxillofacial surgeons are the ones with the greatest presence of carpal tunnel and trigger finger, “due to the position when operating and making sutures.”
Another aspect that Berg observed is that these diseases tend to intensify with age, “which begins with a slight pain until it generates a inability in the professional”.
Berg proposes teaching the principles of Ergonomics, suggesting that it be a subject included in university curricula to prevent avoidable injuries.
Likewise, he urged dentists to take a break between patients, do finger exercises and give their hands a few massages before handling work tools.
