Effects of stretching intervention on musculoskeletal pain in dental professionals

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to quantitatively confirm the effects of dental specialists' work and stretching on musculoskeletal pain.

Methods: The pain pressure threshold was divided into five parts (neck, shoulder, trunk, lower back, and hand/arm) of the upper body and measured at 15 muscle trigger points. The pain pressure threshold before and after work was measured, and 30 min of stretching and rest were stipulated as an intervention.

Results: The pain pressure thresholds reduced significantly in all muscles after work (P < .05). In the stretching group, the pain pressure thresholds increased significantly in all muscles (P < .05). In particular, the iliocostalis lumborum (lower back), rhomboid (trunk), transverse carpal ligament (hand/arm), levator scapulae-superior angle (neck), and upper trapezius (shoulder) muscles showed the greatest decrease in pain pressure threshold after work and the greatest increase after stretching.

Conclusions: Stretching helps immediately relieve musculoskeletal pain in dental professionals and can prevent and manage work-related musculoskeletal disorders.