Handling Persistent Hip Pain
After 20 years of working in clinical practice, I am experiencing tremendous hip pain on both sides of my body. I’m trying to find a better ergonomic chair. Any recommendations would be appreciated.
Hip pain is more common in women than men, and it can be caused by different factors such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, injuries, and prolonged sitting in a straddle position. Sitting for long periods can limit hip flexibility and mobility, leading to pain.
Piriformis syndrome occurs when the piriformis muscle becomes shortened and tight, causing pain (Figure 1). To find relief, you can alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day to avoid static posture.
When sitting, position yourself closer to the patient by extending the headrest of the patient chair for better accessibility and less need to work at the 4 o’clock or 8 o’clock position. By minimizing straddling and twisting of the torso, you can prevent musculoskeletal disorders.
According to research, performing daily exercises, such as stretching, yoga, walking, and swimming, can be extremely beneficial for maintaining optimal musculoskeletal health.1,2 When creating a stretching routine, be sure to repeat it on both sides of the body.
If you are experiencing pain and stiffness, a physical therapist can develop specific exercises to reduce pain and increase mobility. Hip exercises ,such as hip flexor stretch, external hip rotation, and specific piriformis stretches, may help alleviate pain and increase strength and mobility.
Saddle stools are beneficial for maintaining a proper position, which involves keeping your hips higher than your knees, a slight forward tilt of the seat (approximately 5° to 25°), and your feet flat on the floor. The saddle stool helps you to position yourself correctly in between standing and sitting and to use core muscles for maintaining balance.
When selecting a saddle stool, consider your pelvic width, torso size, hip flexibility, height, weight, and length of legs. There are different types of saddle stools with different seat pans, suitable for pelvic width, thigh positioning, and height.
Narrow seat pan saddle stools keep the legs closer together for those with limited hip flexibility. Attending dental conferences with exhibitors can be helpful in trying out various saddle stools and finding the one that best suits your needs.
If pain persists despite exercise and stretching, seek advice from a healthcare professional for a diagnosis.
References
- Gandolfi MG, Zamparini F, Spinelli A, Prati C. Āsana for back, hips and legs to prevent musculoskeletal disorders among dental professionals: in-office yóga protocol. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol. 2024;9:6.
- Valachi B. What causes hip pain in dentistry? Posturedontics. Available at: posturedontics.com/what-causes-hip-pain-in-dentistry. Accessed July 1, 2024.
From Dimensions of Dental Hygiene. August/September 2024; 22(5):46
