A unique approach to preventing back pain in the dental office

Back pain has been reported by a majority of dental practitioners for decades. Efforts to relieve pain have focused on postural modification, exercise, and equipment designed to facilitate neutral posture, but there has been no significant reduction in reported rates of pain. By focusing on static muscle activity and muscle overuse rather than posture, the authors describe the theory behind an innovative approach for the development of an ergonomic intervention. Objective: Demonstrate that posture is not the problem. Participants: none. Methods: Critical analysis of existing literature in dentistry and in other more advanced fields. Results: Application of current research outside of dentistry. Conclusions: Elimination of Static Muscle Activity rather than modification of posture is the critical issue in preventing pain, fatigue, and injury.