Stretch for Health

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are some of the most commonly reported work-related injuries, affecting a variety of professions including nurses, truck drivers, office workers, musicians, and oral health professionals.^1–3 Approximately $720 billion per year are spent on treating work-related MSDs in the United States.⁴

Dental hygiene can be a physically demanding occupation and dental hygienists experience high rates of MSDs.⁵ In order to support career longevity, interventions to prevent and/​or manage MSDs must occur early in the career of dental hygienists.

Many dental hygienists report that their education did not prepare them for the physical demands of full-time clinical work.^6,7 Preventing MSDs is an important part of overall wellness.

What Are Musculoskeletal Disorders?

MSDs are degenerative disorders of the muscles, joints, tendons, nerves, and blood vessels caused by repetitive, cumulative trauma occurring over time or due to an acute injury.⁸ These disorders can include neck and shoulder pain, shoulder tendonitis, neuropathy, tension neck syndrome, and trapezius myalgia.

The prevalence of general MSD pain and neuropathy in dental hygienists ranges from 60% to 96%.^5,9–11 Some of the most common symptoms experienced by dental hygienists are:^5,11,12

• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Neck pain
• Hand and wrist pain

Dental hygienists are high risk for these work-related injuries because MSDs are associated with repeated or sustained exertion in awkward or static postures, which is common in dental hygiene work.¹³

MSDs in dental hygienists can lead to pain, spasms, joint rigidity, shivers, and interference with activities of daily life. Symptoms of MSDs in dental hygienists include the development of tiredness, tingling, pain, and numbness in the shoulders, low back, and neck.¹⁴

Interventions for Prevention

Several interventions can be used to prevent MSDs including the use of proper ergonomics, yoga, and stretching.^15–22 Ergonomic training can reduce work-related MSDs in dental hygienists. Proper ergonomics can be maintained by using proper equipment, adjusting patient positioning, avoiding static postures, and technique training.^23,24

Yoga can reduce stress and prevent injury in the workplace. Hatha yoga is an ancient mind-body exercise that incorporates breathing and postures to unify and relax the mind and body.

Offering yoga in the workplace is a way to educate clinicians about decreasing the risks of injury. Practicing yoga has been shown to reduce pain, relieve tension, reduce risks of injury, improve posture, improve communication, increase energy and attention span, and enhance feelings of overall wellness and well-being.^15–17

Stretching for Health

Stretching is an important part of preventing MSDs because dental hygienists perform work-related motions that can damage nerves, tendons, muscles, and supporting structures.¹⁸ Stretching can help prevent these injuries, promoting career longevity.

Stretching is defined as a slow deliberate movement used to achieve a lengthening of the muscle.¹⁹ Stretching reduces pain and discomfort, while increasing range of motion.^20,21 This can provide an anti-inflammatory effect on the muscles and delay muscle soreness after exercise.²²

Stretching is an efficient way to prevent MSDs as each stretch takes about 30 seconds. Dental hygienists should focus on stretching their neck, shoulders, lower back, wrists, and hands. Chairside stretching is particularly helpful with the hand and wrist region compared to other areas of the body.²¹

Stretches can be done at any time during the day and are easily incorporated into the regular work routine. Table 1 demonstrates suggested stretches that can be performed chairside during the workday.

Conclusion

MSDs are common among dental hygienists and can result in pain, discomfort, or numbness in various parts of the body. Incorporating stretches into a daily routine can prevent these common injuries. Dental hygienists should consider stretching on a daily basis, which will allow for the gradual stretching of the impacted muscle groups.^19–21

Dental hygienists can stretch chairside, and before and after work. The key is to stretch daily. Allocating time (5 minutes to 10 minutes) to complete these stretches is vital to preserve the dental hygienist’s body.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like thank John DeWitt, PT, DPT, SCS, AT, and Madison Helon for their help in preparing this manuscript.

References

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From Dimensions of Dental Hygiene. January 2023; 21(1)16-18.