Neck and Shoulder Pain Caused by Posture

Being a dental assistant can be very challenging when it comes to posture and sitting properly. There are several musculoskeletal disorders that can affect your job in the long run. Some so severe you may have to have surgery!! I don’t think we want that.

Dental assistant mostly experience right-sided neck and shoulder pain, also hand and finger pain that is worst in the first and second fingers. If it doesn’t get taken care of immediately, this pain could lead to muscle imbalances, ischemia, nerve compression, or disc degeneration. Structures in the musculoskeletal system can be affected by long-term wear and tear.

Shoulder and neck pain are the most common musculoskeletal disorders one can get. Right sided neck and shoulder pain is one that the assistant is highly prone to developing, and is difficult to avoid. Reason being is frequent reaching across the assistant’s mid-line with the right arm. Neck pain can also be caused by leaning forward with your head bent down for a long period of time.

Dental assistants can also end up with tension neck syndrome also known as (TNS). It results in pain stiffness and tenderness in the neck. With this the symptoms may not always be in the neck. It can occur between the shoulder blades down the arms or up to the base of the skull. Headaches are one of the main symptoms with TNS. The occupation with dentistry, where forward head and shoulders postures are common, predispose workers to a muscle imbalance that contributes to TNS. The imbalances develop between the neck and shoulder muscles that stabilize, and the ones that move.

The delivery of dental care requires excellent endurance of the motor skills for prolonged periods of time. These muscles seem to get tired quickly and start to w...

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...signed job, supported by a well-designed workplace and proper tools, allows the worker to avoid unnecessary motion of the neck, shoulders and upper limbs. Meaning the actual performance of the tasks depends on individuals. Make sure to always observe the workplace. If it looks like it’s an unfit workplace and you can easily get injured. Walk away. There is nothing better than to make sure that your job and health are okay when it comes to the workplace. Great ergonomics means great Workplace.

Bibliography associations, canadian dental assistants. "pain associated with the work of dental assistants causes and solutions." (2008). communications, aegis. "inside dental assisting." fighting plaque with a healthy back (2011). valachi, bethany. "dentistry shouldnt be a pain in the neck." ergonomic and wellness strategies to prevent pain and extend your career (2009).