تغييرات دژنراتيو زودرس گردني در دندانپزشكان

Early cervical degenerative changes among dentists

Background and Aim: Signs and symptoms of cervical degenerative changes are very common among dentists resulting in repeated medical care. The incorrect position of the cervical spine during dental work, avoidance doing exercises and left hand dominance can increase the risk of this problem. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of the signs and symptoms of degenerative changes among dentists, doctors and common people. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, totally 465 samples including 251 dentists (General and Specialist) from three provinces of Shahrekord, Esfahan and Tehran, 17 dentists from ULB University of Belgium, 101 physicians (General & Specialist) and 96 persons from other jobs were studied. All the information were analyzed using SPSS program and x2 tests. Results: Among Iranian dentists, 155 were male and 96 were female. Cervical pains that cause the patient to stay at home, take medication or use cervical collar were 66.9%. In other groups the results were as follows: foreigner dentists): 52.9%, physicians: 23.8%, other jobs: 24%. 1.6% of the dentists were candidate for cervical region operation and 0.08% of them were operated because of cervical discopathy. The signs and symptoms were 72% for left handed dentists. In the first 1-4 years of professional life the signs and symptoms were 32% and in the next ten years it was 72%. Conclusions: Routine sports, facilities for left-hand dentists and correct position during dental work can decrease the risk of degenerative changes of cervical spine.