Dental Procedures & Techniques- Ch 25

1. What is the goal or Ergonomics?

2. What does Ergonomics mean?

1. The goal of ergonomics is to help people stay healthy and at the same time perform work more effectively by changing design of the workplace, instruments, systems, products, training, or some combination of these

2. The word “ergonomics” comes from the Greek words ergon (work) and nomos (law of work)

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)

Headaches, neck and shoulder pain, back pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS; a wrist injury) account for many disabling and potentially career-ending musculoskeletal disorders among dental professionals

Work habits, posture, and equipment and instrument design can contribute to these work-related disorders

Three interrelated factors contribute to increased risk of job-related injury

Posture

Repetition

Force

Muscle-Strengthening Exercises

Stretching and strengthening the muscles that support the back and neck and those used in the forearm, wrist, and hand will help them remain strong and healthy

Stretch periodically throughout the workday

Before beginning any exercise program, you should check with your physician, particularly if you experience pain with any of the movements

Hand Exercises

Resting the hands frequently is believed to be one of the most important factors in preventing CTS

Use the exercises on page 357 to prevent strain in hands.

• Slowly open and close the hands completely.

• Press the palms of the hands together and then relax. 

• Gently pull on and relax each finger on each hand separately.

• Cross the wrists and gently stretch and relax

Eye Exercises

To relieve eyestrain caused by focusing intensely at one depth of vision for long periods, look up from the task and focus your eyes at a distance for approximately 20 seconds

Practice this frequently throughout the day to use your full range of vision and lessen eyestrain

Back Exercises

To relieve stresses on the back, neck, and shoulders, try the full back release

Let the head roll forward slowly and allow the arms and head to fall between the knees; hold for a few seconds, then rise slowly by contracting the stomach muscles and rolling up

Bring the head up last

Neck Exercises

Try head rotations for neck stiffness

Head rotations involve tilting the head from right to left, as well as forward and backward, without forcing the motion beyond your range of comfort

Shoulder Exercises

Shoulder shrugging can be used to stretch shoulder muscles that may be stressed by holding oral evacuators, instruments, and telephone handsets

Pull the shoulders up toward the ears, then roll them backward and forward in a circular motion