Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Dental Professionals – Causes, Prevalence & Prevention in Sunbury & Melton

Julian Simpson
Apr 14
4 min read

Updated: May 13

Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Dental Professionals – Causes, Prevalence & Prevention in Sunbury & Melbourne

About the Author

Dr Julian Simpson is an Australian chiropractor with over 15 years of experience in musculoskeletal healthcare and rehabilitation.

He is a Board Member of the Chiropractic Australia Research Foundation and has reviewed and written more than 800 evidence-based health articles focused on spinal health, rehabilitation, sports injuries and conservative care approaches.

His treatment focus includes:

Chiropractic adjustments
Sports chiropractic
Massage therapy
Shockwave therapy
Laser therapy
Non-surgical spinal decompression

Dr Simpson provides patient care through Healthwise Chiropractic, serving communities including Sunbury, Melton, Diggers Rest and surrounding regions.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) are highly common in dental professionals due to prolonged static posture and repetitive strain. A major study found 55.6% of dental students and clinicians experience musculoskeletal pain, with the neck (56.9%), lower back (52.3%), and shoulders (49%) most affected. Poor posture and prolonged sitting were the leading causes. At Health Wise Chiropractic Sunbury, we help treat and prevent these posture-related injuries through chiropractic care and ergonomic rehabilitation.

🟨 What Are Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs)?

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) refer to injuries affecting:

Muscles
Tendons
Joints
Nerves

They are commonly caused by:

Sustained poor posture
Repetitive movements
Long periods of sitting or static positioning

👉 In dentistry, these issues are especially common due to long procedures requiring forward head posture and bent spinal positioning.

🟨 How Common Are WRMSDs in Dental Professionals? (Key Statistics)

A cross-sectional study of 239 dental students and professionals in Saudi Arabia found:

📊 55.6% reported musculoskeletal pain
📊 36.8% had chronic pain (>3 months)
📊 31.4% reported work absenteeism due to pain

Most Affected Areas:

Neck → 56.9%
Lower back → 52.3%
Shoulders → 49%
Upper back → 44.4%

👉 Globally, similar studies report prevalence rates ranging from 68% to over 90% in dentists

🟨 Why Are Dental Professionals So High-Risk?

The study identified key risk factors:

🔴 1. Poor posture (44.8%)

Forward head posture and bent spine positioning increase spinal stress.

🔴 2. Prolonged sitting (37.2%)

Long procedures reduce movement variability and increase muscular fatigue.

🔴 3. Repetitive hand use (23.8%)

Fine motor work places strain on wrists, hands, and forearms.

🔴 4. Long clinical hours

Most participants worked 25–30+ hours per week in static positions

🟨 The Hidden Consequences of WRMSDs

WRMSDs don’t just cause pain — they impact performance, lifestyle, and mental health.

Reported impacts include:

📉 Reduced productivity (26.4%)
😰 Increased stress & anxiety (33.1%)
😴 Sleep disturbances (30%)
🧠 Reduced concentration (25%)
🏥 Work absenteeism (31.4%)

👉 This shows musculoskeletal pain is both a physical and psychological burden

🟨 How Dental Professionals Manage Pain

Despite high prevalence, most individuals do not seek professional care (77%)

Instead, they rely on:

💊 Painkillers (31.4%)
🧘 Exercise or yoga (29.3%)
❄️ Heat/cold therapy and rest (14.6%)

👉 Only 23% sought professional treatment such as physiotherapy or chiropractic care

🟨 Why This Matters in Sunbury & Melbourne Workplaces

WRMSDs are not limited to dentists — they are common in:

Office workers
Hairdressers
Nurses
Tradespeople
Students

👉 In Melbourne workplaces, prolonged sitting and screen-based work are now major contributors to similar spinal and postural injuries.

🟨 How Chiropractic Care Helps WRMSDs

At Health Wise Chiropractic Sunbury, we focus on treating the cause, not just the symptoms.

Evidence-based care may include:

🧠 Postural assessment & correction
🦴 Chiropractic spinal adjustments
💪 Muscle balance & rehabilitation programs
📏 Ergonomic education (desk & workstation setup)
🏋️ Movement retraining to reduce strain
⚡ Soft tissue therapy for neck, back & shoulders

🟨 Prevention: What the Research Suggests Works

Studies consistently show WRMSDs can be reduced by:

✔️ Ergonomic education in training and workplaces
✔️ Use of magnification loupes (improves posture)
✔️ Regular movement breaks
✔️ Exercise and strength training
✔️ Postural awareness programs

👉 One key finding: poor posture was the leading contributor in 44.8% of cases

🟨 When Should You Seek Help?

You should seek treatment if you experience:

Neck or back pain lasting more than 2–3 weeks
Pain that worsens during work
Numbness, stiffness, or reduced movement
Frequent headaches linked to posture
Pain affecting sleep or productivity

📍 If you are experiencing posture-related pain or work-related musculoskeletal stress in Sunbury or Melton, early treatment can prevent long-term injury.

At Health Wise Chiropractic, we specialise in:

Postural correction
Workplace-related musculoskeletal pain
Chronic neck and back issues
Ergonomic rehabilitation programs

👉 Book an appointment today and improve how your body performs at work and in daily life.

What are the most common WRMSDs in dental professionals?

Neck, lower back, and shoulder pain are the most common due to prolonged poor posture.

Can WRMSDs be reversed?

Yes — early intervention with posture correction, chiropractic care, and exercise can significantly reduce symptoms.

What is the main cause of WRMSDs?

Poor posture and prolonged static positions are the leading causes.

Do chiropractors help with work-related musculoskeletal pain?

Yes — chiropractic care helps improve spinal alignment, reduce muscle tension, and restore movement patterns.

Reviewed by Dr Julian Simpson, Chiropractor at Health Wise Chiropractic, Sunbury 21 Powellet Street, Sunbury & 131 Wembley Avenue, Strathtulloh

At Health Wise Chiropractic, we regularly treat patients with [condition], helping them return to work, sport, and daily activities pain-free.

reference

Nassar AA, Aboalshamat KT, Albaqaawi SS, Alosaimi RA, Almalki AA, Baitalmal AY. Prevalence, risk factors, management strategies and consequences of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among dental students and professionals in Makkah, Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study. Libyan J Med. 2026 Dec 31;21(1):2651992. doi: 10.1080/19932820.2026.2651992. Epub 2026 Mar 28. PMID: 41903107; PMCID: PMC13034702.