I never had this problem I’m school. I felt like I maintained a neutral position during clinic but now that I’m out of school I notice that I lean forward a lot. I know how important ergonomics are so I need to figure out how to correct this issue. Is it me or does my patient need to be adjusted? My operator chair height is where my feet are flat footed, slightly tilt on my thighs. I bring the patient chair about elbow level. Help!
I have learned over the years that I work better with a patient chair that I can either move or there is room for me to move about it. This affords me the opportunity to access areas better and not bend over as much. For instance, I am a righty but I clean the lingual of the max. right quad from the left side of the chair. Not all the way over, but more than you would expect. I still do catch myself leaning in and down too much, but I just throw my shoulders back and sit up straight. Also, stomach/core exercises so that you can use those muscles more is great.
I had a pair of TTL DFV Louie’s for 8 years that made me lean my chin forward to far causing extreme pain in neck/shoulders/arms and wrists. I now have SurgiTel Radar Flip up Loupes with motion activated light. No more PAIN! I also alternate between a salli saddle stool and regular op chair. I position the pt headrest higher than normal which makes the pt push up higher in chair to get them away from the widest part of the chair that I cannot fully reach them from. I also take Pilates two times week and cardio 4-5 times a week to stay limber and healthy. Daily….I have to remind myself of my ergonomics and how I am sitting etc. it’s a daily battle to make sure I’ve positioned everything correctly. I’m looking into adding another chair that resembles a regular saddle chair with a back rest. It’s on Amazon for under $200. I also have researched ergonomics extensively and have found the following website has the most extensive ergonomic information on dentistry available. I also have the book Practicing Dentistry Pain Free. Check it out. It’s helped me tremendously. I thought there was no way I could practice much longer without becoming disabled. My new Loupes and light have given me my life back. I’m not crying in pain every night. I feel 100% better. On the website link sign up for her newsletters and check out the reviews. It’s not a spam site so don’t be afraid of entering your email when you click on reviews of equipment.
Thank you for the link and info. I had Surgitel, ordered when i was student, then got Sheervision for the past 7 yrs, and now having neck and shoulder pain. Never thought the loupes still give pain, and not correct poor ergonomics.
Thank you again
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