Prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in dentists; A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the most common occupational illnesses in the world. Dental professionals are more prone to injuries and pain in their muscles, tendons, nerves, and joints, which are known as MSDs. Prolonged static postures, repeated actions, workplace designs, poor alignment, genetic predisposition, mental stress, physical conditioning, age, and nonwork activities are all factors that might contribute to musculoskeletal pain (MSP). This systematic review and meta-analysis was based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, and the articles were retrieved from the search engines such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science after fulfilling the eligibility criteria. After screening, a final of ten articles were included in the final analysis. This systematic and meta-analysis follows the PRISMA checklist. Medcalc software was used in order to find the significance of the prevalence of lower back pain, followed by neck pain, upper back pain, shoulder pain, and hand and wrist pain in dental practitioners. Significant differences were considered at P < 0.05. A total of ten studies were included, of which six studies met the criteria for the meta-analysis. The prevalence rates of musculoskeletal diseases were high. The lower back was the region most affected (47.753%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 45.007–50.509), followed by the upper back body region (44.167%, 95% CI: 41.300–47.063%), neck pain (41.633%, 95% CI: 39.066%–44.234%), shoulder pain (33.608%, 95% CI: 31.222%–36.058% and 18.656%), and hand/wrist pain (95% CI: 16.359%–21.128%). Work-related MSP is the major health problem among dental professionals. Working posture of dental professionals is important and has been identified as a major risk factor for the development of work-related MSDs. A proper ergonomic design and posture can reduce the MSP. Therefore, further research is needed on possible ergonomics needed for preventing MSDs.