It is well known that dental hygienists work in static, precise postures and utilize workspaces and instruments that are often less than ideal ergonomically. Add the stress of delivering efficient care, and you have the perfect prescription for acquiring musculoskeletal disorders.
The neck and shoulders are frequently the most painful areas for the working hygienist. A recent study found that when the neck is flexed more than 30°, the amount of pressure on the cervical vertebra is increased by 13%.1 This results in neck muscles fatiguing after just four to five hours of work. The results are significant in this study because, additionally, 10-minute rests were provided every hour; however, you don’t need a study to prove that most hygienists work with chronic shoulder, neck, and back pain.
Poor posture is amplified when weak neck muscles, tired shoulders, and vulnerable backs are challenged, making it more difficult to hold precise posture, leading to further postural frailty. The cycle can be debilitating.
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