Evaluation of neck pain and scapular stability in graduate dental students: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: There is a high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in dentists. The most commonly affected areas are the neck, low back, wrist, and hand. The symptoms of the musculoskeletal disorder occur during the educational and training course in dental students. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess neck pain and the scapular stability in graduate dental students. Study Design: This was an observational, cross-sectional study. Study Setting: This study was conducted at a dental college attached to a tertiary care hospital. Methods: The site of pain over the neck region (in subjects with pain) was assessed using body diagrams. Assessment of intensity of pain (if present) was done using Numerical Rating Scale, scapular posture using the pectoralis minor (PM) length test and resting scapular upward rotation using Baseline Bubble Inclinometer, dynamic scapular positioning using Lateral Scapular Slide Test, and muscle strength of scapular stabilizers using Lafayette Manual Muscle Tester. The outcome measures were compared between 1st-year undergraduate dental students (Group A) and dental interns (Group B). Results: Sixty-three female dental students (Group A, n = 32; Group B, n = 31) were included. There was a significant difference in the PM length test of left side (P = 0.02) and intensity of pain (right side P = 0.008, left side P = 0.003) in Groups A and B. The site of pain was over the lateral aspect of the neck and the character of pain was aching. We found no significant difference in other outcome measures. Conclusion: Dental students suffer from neck pain. Static scapular posture was affected, whereas the dynamic scapular stability was not affected.