A Survey of Neck Pain among Dentists of the Lebanese Community.

Results: The majority of participants were between the ages of 25 and 35, and the gender distribution of the demographic distribution was comparable. The prevalence of pain was 86.8% (97/342 dentists). NDI analysis showed that 65.7% had mild disability, 12.8% have a moderate disability, and 1% had severe disability. Bivariate analysis showed that pain was affected by age (p=0.013), orthodontist practices (p=0.031), regular exercise (p < 0.001), using vibrating instruments (p < 0.001), cervical flexion for better vision while working (p < 0.001), knowledge, and experience about ergonomic posture (p < 0.005). Multivariate analysis showed four predictors for pain: age (p=0.017), performing stretching exercises after finishing clinical practice (p=0.022), orthodontist specialty (p=0.029), and performing cervical flexion for better vision while working (p=0.004). Conclusion: This study showed that through the application of some strategies such as stretching, exercising, and being careful in using vibrating instruments, the dentist may be able to relieve the pain.

Neck and Musculoskeletal Pain Among Dentists: A Review of the Literature.

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), notably neck pain, are important occupational health issues in the field of dentistry. Many studies were done worldwide to gather data about neck and back pain. They used different characteristics and risk factors. Other studies aimed to determine only the prevalence of neck and back problems among dentists. We aim to review the literature for research about the optimal factors to be assessed and the proper measures to be installed by dentists to prevent cervical pain and to be taught and shared with dental students. Such an aim requires a thorough review of the current condition. This is a brief review of the literature to shed light on the latest news on this topic. Research using keywords such as dentistry, neck pain, neck pain index, occupational pain, and dental specialties were used to skim the literature for related topics. Publications are considered based on their relevance to the topic. Topics related to other professions and pain induced by illnesses other than occupational factors are not included. The final conclusion shows that no final results were conducted regarding the optimal characteristics that the dentists should be using. Therefore, we recommend a study with an aim to determine the optimal factors to be used by dentists to prevent cervical pain and to be taught to dental students.