Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists Bulletin Winter 2014 - (Page 18)

The Healing Column POOR POSTURE = BACK AND NECK PAIN By Dr. Dawn Pruzansky, Associate Administrative Director, Postgraduate Orthodontic Program, Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health Other exercises include: DP: What are some common ailments you see in dentists and hygienists? I Dr. Pruzansky s your job a pain in the neck? Many dentists suffer from back and/or neck pain due to poor posture. Years of bad habits can lead to chronic pain issues, which can become debilitating. I had a conversation with Dr. Andrew Chavkin, a Scottsdalebased chiropractor specializing in a treatment called ART, about what we can do to break this vicious cycle. dr. dawn pruzansky: What is ART, and how does it differ from traditional chiropractic therapy? Dr. AnDrew ChAvkin: ART stands for Active Release Techniques (see www.activerelease.com/what_patients. asp). Traditional chiropractic treatment focuses on the manipulation of the spine only, whereas ART incorporates movement of the soft tissues. We look for increased tension or texture difference of the muscles, and use movement to break up any adhesions. If the affected muscle area is addressed first, the spinal manipulation will be more stable. 18 AC: Dentists typically sit flexed forward and rotated to one side at the hips, with the head rotated to one side as well. This promotes muscle flexion of one side and extension of the other, leading to misalignment. Lumbar back pain, cervical neck/back pain, and tingling of the dominant hand are the most common issues. The elbow of the dominant hand is typically raised while dentistry is being performed. Fine motor work done under these circumstances can cause peripheral nerve entrapment, causing a tingling sensation in the fingers. DP: Can you give examples of some stretching exercises to promote better posture? AC: Because the dentist is usually sitting forward in a chair when treating patients, I would not recommend any flexion or forward posture exercises. You want to promote extension of the spine and hips to counteract the forward posture. One easy stretch that can be performed in the time between patients is to stand up, walk around, and extend your arms overhead, promoting a full extension. Another trick is to sit with your feet apart, so that you bend at the hips rather than rounding your back. Standing hip extension stretch: Place your hands on your hips and slightly bend backwards. Bird-dog exercise: On all fours, extend one arm forward and the opposite leg back. Superman stretch: Lie face down with arms and legs extended; raise arms and legs off the floor. Supine extension stretch: Sit on a large exercise ball and slowly move your hips forward, so your back extends across the ball. This position is the opposite of how a dentist normally sits, and is a great extension stretch. Neck stretch: Lie flat on your back with knees bent; slowly rotate your head from side to side. You may notice one side has limited range of motion, so work slowly to restore this flexibility. Regular exercise and stretching are your best weapons against chronic postural back pain. Many ergonomic chairs and practices are available to help lessen the habit of bad posture. This is a process that occurs slowly, over the span of your career, so daily stretching and maintenance should be incorporated as a way of life. S PCSO BULLETIN * WINTER 2014 http://www.activerelease.com/what_patients.asp http://www.activerelease.com/what_patients.asp

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists Bulletin Winter 2014

A Clear Message and a Clear Plan
So Much to Share and Celebrate!
Facebook and Orthodontic Practice Marketing
Component Reports
AAOF Report
PCSO At a Glance
Poor Posture = Back and Neck Pain
Resident Spotlight: Roseman University College of Dental Medicine, Postgraduate Orthodontic Program
Younger Member Spotlight: Dr. Mahbod Rashidi
The University of the Pacific’s Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry
Dr. Terry McDonald Interviews Dr. Glenn Sameshima
New Technology for a New Office: Cost-Effective and Space-Saving
Case Report Pre-Treatment
Dr. Frank Beglin, PCSO President 2014-2015
Helping Autistic and Special Needs Children
Organization and Innovation are Intertwined
Patient Service: Thinking Outside the Box
Clinical Applications of TADs and Outcome Evaluations with 3-D CBCT Superimposition
Root Resorption
Tips and Tricks from the Trenches
Case Report Post-Treatment
Diastema-Closing Appliance
Dr. David Thomas Lawless

Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists Bulletin Winter 2014