TAKE NOTICE


Weakened deep neck flexors. Dentists often suffer neck pain and this is commonly associated with weakness in deep neck flexors. There are exercises that can be used to strengthen these muscles including simple chin tucks. These can be done by moving the chin closer to your ‘Adam’s apple’. Stand against a wall so that when you retract your head, it just touches the wall. Hold this position while breathing normally for 10 seconds and repeat the process for 12–15 times. You can hold the position longer as you become stronger.


CONCLUSION This article obviously serves only as a primer to neck and back


pain and it must also


be emphasised that corrective exercises alone are insufficient to deal with such problems. You must develop good postural habits by improving your general work ergonomics – and it is possible to train your body to recognise when you are adopting a poor posture. I would recommend all dentists to engage an appropriate professional to offer advice and guidance tailored to your particular work situation - and to seek medical attention for serious or prolonged back or neck pain.


James Tang is a general dental practitioner working in County Durham and also a personal trainer with a special interest in corrective exercise


MDDUS INSIGHT / 15


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24