Anyone else in dentistry ever had this?On Monday my arm,shoulder,neck,back began causing extreme pain!?

I have been in dentistry for 24 years and I am so upset! All I know is teeth! I love what I do, but now I am in so much pain I can hardly use my left arm. The Dr. yesterday said it is vertebreC7 in my neck causing nerve damage. Has anyone else had this problem from leaning over patients or for example a surgical extraction on the upper where you are really trying to see your root tip and you are bending your head every which way around? Any tips would be greatly appreciated even tips on better posture. I am mad at myself for this happening, but now I can only learn to live with it. Thanks to you all.

Anyone else in dentistry ever had this?On Monday my arm,shoulder,neck,back began causing extreme pain!?
I am with you brother, 20+ yrs in dentistry and Feb 2005 had major back and neck issues. Tried everything shy of surgery. No improvement. Mar 2007 went to a chiropractor that specializes in the Gontead Technique all pain and symptoms gone almost instantly. Cost was less than $150 which included very high quality radiographs. My physical therapy visits far exceeded that which were basically worthless. This may be something worth investigating. It was non-invasive and effective for me. I thoroughly agree with the previous comments of good loops, which I also use and promote good posture. Best of Luck and I also never thought of dentistry as a physically damaging profession and let my guard down.
Reply:Hi,


i am dentist as well and i never felt like you but


my mom does dentistry already 26 years and she had the same problem. What she did was some physiotherapy and exersises. it never healed completely so she got used to it and says that it comes now only 1-2 times per year.


the best you could do is to ask your ortopedic specialist.





greetings form germany:)


and take care
Reply:Do you wear loupes? If not get your self fitted for a good pair and have the rep take the working length measurements at your office with you sitting beside your patient chair (get one of your staff to play patient for you!). A good headlight that attached to your loupes will also help ensure that a bright light is shining exactly where you are looking. The other thing would be to change to an operators chair that has arms - there are several brands out there. Orascoptic makes all three - loupes, light and chair and may well offer a discount if you purchase all three! By consistently using this equipment then the odd occasion when you may have to twist and torque your body probably won't be a problem because everything will be so rested.

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