The Musculoskeletal Difficulties in Dental Professionals

2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 14
Author(s):  
Lívia Maria Dos Santos Landim ◽  
Jéssica Mariano Uchôa Lopes ◽  
Gledson Fernandes de Sousa ◽  
Sidney Medeiros de Oliveira ◽  
Anny Caroline Costa Vieira ◽  
...  

The appearance of musculoskeletal symptoms in dental professionals is increasing worldwide. In Brazil, has already begun acquires expressive and socially relevant numbers. Since the 80's, it has become a problem of public health and social, because of their scope and magnitude. These professionals are constantly subjected to a number of risks for the appearance of injuries attributed to their work. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of signs and symptoms in musculoskeletal dental professionals in the city of Barbalha- Ceará, Brasil. This is a quantitative field study, with 25 dentists. The instrument was the Nordic questionnaire for musculoskeletal symptoms and another for verification of professional knowledge about MDRW (Musculoskeletal disorders related to work). The results were worrying because some work more than one shift, and 40% of them showed signs and musculoskeletal symptoms. The superior limbs seemed more affected and 36% was in column dorsal, lumbar and lower limbs. With regard to the procedure with a higher rate of pain, was extracted. For the pathologies, the tendonitis was the most diagnosed. It was concluded that the dental surgeons in Barbalha- Ceará, Brasil,  seemed very exposed to risk factors, with respect to the emergence of MDRW.                                          Keywords: MDRW, musculoskeletal, symptoms, pain.

PeerJ ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. e4154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simone De Sio ◽  
Veronica Traversini ◽  
Francesca Rinaldo ◽  
Valerio Colasanti ◽  
Giuseppe Buomprisco ◽  
...  

IntroductionDental practitioners are exposed to different occupational hazards during the course of their professional activity, such as physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic factors. The ergonomic hazards, caused by strained posture and prolonged repetitive movements, can induce musculoskeletal disorders. It occurs in 54–93% of dental professionals and involve the spine, shoulder and hand-wrist tract. Through a systematic review of international literature, we analyzed specific ergonomic risk factors and preventive measures of musculoskeletal disorders in professional dental activity.MethodsThis systematic review is coherent with the PRISMA statement. The scientific research on the major online databases was based on the following keywords: dentist, prevention, ergonomic, dentistry, musculoskeletal, neck pain, posture, ergonomics, work and occupational. The studies included in this review focus on disorders related to ergonomics and on the most effective preventive measures to be adopted. No restrictions were applied for language or publication type. We excluded reports not related to ergonomic prevention in dentistry, reports of minor academic significance, editorial articles, individual contributions, and studies published in scientific conferences.ResultsOnline research indicated 4188 references: PubMed (2919), Scopus (1257) e Cochrane Library (12). We excluded 3012 of these, because they were unrelated to ergonomics theme and 187 due to duplication. From the remaining 989 studies, 960 papers did not meet inclusion criteria and they were excluded. Therefore, we analyzed 29 articles, including 16 narrative reviews and 13 original article. The main risk factor for the development of musculoskeletal disorders found in our analysis is static posture adopted during work, highlighted in 87.5% of reviews and 84% of original articles. With regard to preventive measures, 75% of the reviews highlighted the importance of stretching after each working session and at the end of the working day, while 61.5% of the original articles emphasized the use of modern and ergonomic instruments.DiscussionThis review showed that static postures are strongly responsible in the etiology of musculoskeletal disorders. The awkward postures more frequently identified among dental professionals are: extreme forward-head and neck flexion; trunk inclination and rotation towards one side; lifting one or both shoulders; increased curvature of the thoracic vertebral column; incorrect positioning of the lower limbs with thigh-leg angle of less than 90°. It is really important to use of a modern workstation with appropriate ergonomic supports. Among the preventive ergonomic measures, literature has widely recognized the role of physical activity and of a neutral and balanced posture. The present review has some limits: a large part of the selected studies did not have a high methodological quality score and an inadequate statistical analysis.


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-7
Author(s):  
Nihar Sultana ◽  
Md Anower Hussain Mian ◽  
Md Golam Rubby

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the most important occupational health problems particularly in dental professionals. Dentists are among the workers who are more often susceptible to this disorder, as because their work includes risk factors that may lead to this disorder. The study aims to determine the prevalence of MSDs among dental surgeons , also the risk and exposure of this disorder by assessing job postures and the correlation between them. Methods : This cross sectional study was conducted among purposively selected 86 dental surgeons working in eight different tertiary level public and private hospitals in Dhaka city. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection, where Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire(NMQ) used which records the prevalence of MSDs in terms of musculoskeletal symptoms and to assess the risk and exposure of MSDs, Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) score sheet, Quick Exposure Check (QEC) have been used respectively by 10- 15 minutes observing each study subject during different dental operating procedures. After data collection analysis of data was performed by using SPSS software (Version 22). Results : More than 63 % and 47 % of the participants reported pain and discomfort in at least one body region in the last 12 months and the last 7 days respectively. The major affected part was neck, followed by lower back, shoulders and hands / wrists. In different field of specialization among the study subjects musculoskeletal symptoms were highest in oral and maxillofacial surgeons followed by general practitioners, orthodontists, endodontists, prosthodontists. The exposure assessment (QEC) showed that a small percentage (22.1%) have acceptable exposure, where 30.2%, 47.7% had medium exposure and high exposure respectively. Whereas the risk assessment (REBA) showed that 59.3% of the participants were in medium risk group that necessitates further investigation and needs to implement change. Pearson’s correlation test indicated that there is a strong positive correlation between the current exposure and the risk (r = 0.832) and the relationship between exposure and risk of MSDs was found to be highly significant as p < 0.01. Highly significant association found between risk level according to REBA score and the exposure level according to QEC score with MSDs ( as p value < .01). Conclusion: This study concludes that high prevalence of MSDs and high risk levels as well as exposure levels according to REBA and QEC, suggest inappropriate and incorrect ergonomic postural habits existing among the dental surgeons which necessitates further investigation and attention on this issue to combat with this disorder among dental professionals. Update Dent. Coll. j: 2019; 9 (1): 3-7


PLoS ONE ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. e0262207
Author(s):  
Sigal Portnoy ◽  
Shlomit Cohen ◽  
Navah Z. Ratzon

Background The guitar-playing community is the largest group at risk of developing playing related musculoskeletal disorders. A thorough investigation of the relationships between the various risk factors and players’ report on musculoskeletal pain using objective and accurate means of assessment has yet to be reported. Purpose (a) to explore the correlations between demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, playing habits, and personal habits of guitar player and their complaints of musculoskeletal pain, (b) explore the correlations between the upper body kinematics of guitar players during playing the guitar and their complaints of musculoskeletal pain, and (c) compare the upper body kinematics of guitar players during playing the guitar while sitting versus standing. Methods Twenty-five guitar players (27.5±4.6 years old) filled out questionnaires regarding their guitar-playing habits, and the Standardized Nordic Questionnaires for the analysis of musculoskeletal symptoms. Kinematics of their torso and upper limbs were tracked while they played a tune twice, once while sitting and once while standing. Results We found moderate correlations between the number of painful joints in the last year and factors, such as physical comfort while playing, years of playing, and position during playing. During standing, lower back pain severity correlated with the rotation range of the torso, while during sitting, it moderately correlated with the average radial-ulnar deviation of the right wrist. During sitting, we found higher anterior and right tilt of the torso, combined with greater abduction of the right shoulder, higher flexion in the left shoulder and higher radial deviation in the left wrist. Conclusion Our results point to several risk factors, related both to playing habits but also to playing posture, which should be considered by the guitar players in order to prevent playing-related musculoskeletal disorders.


2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-9
Author(s):  
Mokhlesur Rahman ◽  
Abhijit Chowdhury ◽  
Mohammad Shiblee Zaman ◽  
Nihar Sultana ◽  
Mariam Binte Amin ◽  
...  

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) represent a significant occupational problem among health care professionals; however, data on prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are limited in our country for referencing. A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted during January to December 2016 among 160 health care professionals (doctors, nurses) working in a tertiary care hospital in Dhaka city. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence, distribution and to find out the multiple risk factors that contribute to the development of WMSDs among the sample population. Data were collected with semi structured questionnaire based on a validated research instrument Standardized Nordic Questionnaire (SNQ) which records the prevalence of MSDs in terms of musculoskeletal symptoms (ache, pain, discomfort) in the preceding 12 months. The statistical analysis was done by using the SPSS software 21 version. The study result revealed that out of 160 (100.0%) health care professionals 109 (68.1%) had musculoskeletal pain or discomfort in the last 12 months and 51 (31.9%) had not, and it was also found that 57 (61.3%) doctors and 52 (77.6%) nurses had musculoskeletal pain or discomfort in the last 12 months and the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in different body region in the last 12 months, where more than 1 site involvement 46 (42.2%) followed by neck 19 (17.4%), shoulder 15 (13.8%), lower back 13 (11.9%), hips 8 (7.3%), hand/fingers 5 (4.6%). About the self reported risk factors among the health care professionals for WMSDs were found working the same position for long periods 48 (29.8%),followed by treating excessive number of patients in a day 47 (29.1%), inadequate training on injury prevention 25 (15.9%), working awkward or cramped position18(11.6%).There were no statistically significant association found in age and years of experience of the health care professionals with the WMSDs (p value .281, .083 respectively), but significant association found in sex and occupation of the health care professionals with WMSDs (p value .045, .031 respectively). As because a high proportion of health care professionals had WMSDs and they are on the risk for development of WMSDs, it can be recommended that education programmes on prevention and coping strategies for musculoskeletal disorders be made mandatory for health care professionals in order to reduce the rate of WMSDs among them and to promote efficiency in patient care.Update Dent. Coll. j: 2017; 7 (1): 04-09


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. e0009166
Author(s):  
Geoffrey Otieno Muga ◽  
Washington Onyango-Ouma ◽  
Rosemary Sang ◽  
Hippolyte Affognon

Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is a zoonotic disease whose outbreak results in heavy economic and public health burdens. In East Africa, RVF is mainly experienced in arid and semi-arid areas predominantly inhabited by the pastoralists. These areas experience sudden, dramatic epidemics of the disease at intervals of approximately 10 years, associated with widespread flooding and the resultant swarms of mosquitoes. Pastoralists’ indigenous knowledge and experience of RVF is critical for public health interventions targeting prevention and control of RVF. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional design combining both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection. A total of 204 respondents participated in questionnaire survey and 15 key informants and 4 focus group discussions were interviewed and conducted respectively. In addition, secondary data mainly journal publications, books, policy documents and research reports from conferences and government departments were reviewed. Findings indicated that the Somali pastoralists possess immense knowledge of RVF including signs and symptoms, risk factors, and risk pathways associated with RVF. Ninety eight percent (98%) of respondents identified signs and symptoms such as bloody nose, diarrhea, foul smell and discharge of blood from the orifices which are consistent with RVF. Heavy rains and floods (85%) and sudden emergence of mosquito swarms (91%) were also cited as the major RVF risk factors while mosquito bites (85%), drinking raw milk and blood (78%) and contact with animal fluids during mobility, slaughter and obstetric procedures (77%) were mentioned as the RVF entry risk pathways. Despite this immense knowledge, the study found that the pastoralists did not translate the knowledge into safer health practices because of the deep-seated socio-cultural practices associated with pastoralist production system and religious beliefs. On top of these practices, food preparation and consumption practices such as drinking raw blood and milk and animal ritual sacrifices continue to account for most of the mortality and morbidity cases experienced in humans and animals during RVF outbreaks. This article concludes that pastoralists’ indigenous knowledge on RVF has implications on public health delivery approaches. Since the pastoralists’ knowledge on RVF was definitive, integrating the community into early warning systems through training on reporting mechanisms and empowering the nomads to use their mobile phone devices to report observable changes in their livestock and environment could prove very effective in providing information for timely mobilization of public health responses. Public health advocacy based on targeted and contextually appropriate health messaging and disseminated through popular communication channels in the community such as the religious leaders and local radio stations would also be needed to reverse the drivers of RVF occurrence in the study area.


2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 41-46
Author(s):  
Samuel Olufemi Bolarinde ◽  
Isaiah Oyewole ◽  
Adesola Felix Abobarin

Objective: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are one of the major complaints in the work place. This study investigated the prevalence and pattern of work-related MSDs, risk factors and the strategies of management among nurses working in various specialty areas in a tertiary health institution in Nigeria. Methods: This cross-sectional survey recruited 150 nurses working in various specialty areas of a government own tertiary institution in South-west, Nigeria. Data were obtained on demographic characteristics, occupational profile, work-related musculoskeletal symptoms, perceptions on job risk factors and management strategies. Data were presented using descriptive statistics of percentages and frequency tables. Results: The most common MSD among the respondents was low back pain (LBP) (60.0%), followed by neck pain (48.0%), while elbow pain was the lowest work-related musculoskeletal pain (5.3%). Findings indicated that respondents working in Intensive Care Unit (100.0%), Dental Unit (100.0%), Accident and Emergency (77.8%), Orthopaedics (75.0%), Ear Nose and Throat (75.0%) and Medicine (72.7%) suffered from LBP more than other respondents in other specialty areas. Results also revealed that frequent bending (64.0%), prolonged standing (49.3%) and frequent lifting of patients (48.0%) were major factors that contributed to LBP among the respondents. Rest (56.0%), pain killer drugs (50.7%), and exercise (36.0 %) were the most preferred pain management strategies among the respondents, while only 12.0% preferred physiotherapy management. Conclusion: A great percentage of Nigerian nurses suffer from work-related MSDs in their professions with the low back being the most injured body part. Nurses working in Intensive Care Unit, Dental, Accident and Emergency and Orthopedics are more prone to work-related LBP. Education programs on back care and workplace ergonomics are recommended for reduction and prevention of occupational hazards among nurses.


2012 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 84-88
Author(s):  
A. Saghatelyan ◽  
L. Sahakyan ◽  
O. Belyaeva

Complex investigations of agro-ecosystems adjacent to a huge mining set of plants located within the city of Kapan were performed with a goal to identify risk factors to the health of local populace. A basic factor of pollution of agro-ecosystems is heavy metal enriched ore waters from adits and industrial water streams freely emptying into the irrigation network. Farm crops growing under conditions of pollution accumulate a series of heavy metals and microelements.


2000 ◽  
Vol 80 (4) ◽  
pp. 336-351 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean E Cromie ◽  
Valma J Robertson ◽  
Margaret O Best

Abstract Background and Purpose. Physical therapists are at risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Little is known of how therapists respond to injury or of what actions they take to prevent injury. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and severity of WMSDs in physical therapists, contributing risk factors, and their responses to injury. Subjects. As part of a larger study, a systematic sample of 1 in 4 therapists on a state register (n=824) was surveyed. Methods. An 8-page questionnaire was mailed to each subject. Questions investigated musculoskeletal symptoms, specialty areas, tasks and job-related risk factors, injury prevention strategies, and responses to injury. Results. Lifetime prevalence of WMSDs was 91%, and 1 in 6 physical therapists moved within or left the profession as a result of WMSDs. Younger therapists reported a higher prevalence of WMSDs in most body areas. Use of mobilization and manipulation techniques was related to increased prevalence of thumb symptoms. Risk factors pertaining to workload were related to a higher prevalence of neck and upper-limb symptoms, and postural risk factors were related to a higher prevalence of spinal symptoms. Conclusion and Discussion. Strategies used to reduce work-related injury in industry may also apply to physical therapists. Increased risk of thumb symptoms associated with mobilization techniques suggests that further research is needed to establish recommendations for practice. The issues for therapists who move within or leave the profession are unknown, and further research is needed to better understand their needs and experiences.


2018 ◽  
Vol 67 (6) ◽  
pp. 275-287 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuai Yang ◽  
Jingmei Lu ◽  
Jiaqi Zeng ◽  
Liqian Wang ◽  
Yinglan Li

This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among intensive care nurses in the Hunan Province of China. Nurses working in mixed intensive care units of 20 tertiary hospitals in this province participated in an online survey regarding work-related musculoskeletal injuries. The seven-part questionnaire included basic demographics; job and workplace characteristics; risk perception; physical, psychosocial, and workplace organizational factors; and musculoskeletal symptoms. The response rate was 70.7% (702 of 993 nurses). Approximately 97% of the respondents reported experiencing at least one work-related musculoskeletal disorder within the previous year. Low back pain was the most commonly reported musculoskeletal disorder (80.1%), followed by neck (78.6%) and shoulder pain (70.4%). The multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that work-related musculoskeletal disorders were significantly associated with female gender (odds ratio [OR] = 0.115), unmarried status (OR = 0.136), a greater perception of risk (OR = 2.352), and lack of a safe work environment (OR = 1.056). These findings underscore the need for nurses and managers to reinforce risk awareness, improve physical and psychosocial working conditions, and promote a safer work environment.


2016 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 58-58
Author(s):  
J Davies ◽  
S Mangion

This letter refers to the systematic review by Sarah Wu addressing occupational risk factors for musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders in musicians, from the June 2007 issue. Our study, “Predictors of pain and other musculoskeletal symptoms among professional instrumental musicians: elucidating specific effects,” was one of eight papers included in the review, and we are writing to address what we feel were some weaknesses and errors in this review, which may have deterred subsequent researchers in the field from fully examining our paper


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