EFFECT OF NECK EXERCISES AND ERGONOMIC MODIFICATIONS AMONG DENTISTS.

The burden of musculoskeletal disorders leads to pain and impaired functioning leads to restricted activities of daily living and finaiy disability. In the world of increasing Dental problems, Dentists are treating lot of patients per day and they are also exposed to increased workloads which in turn increased the prevalence of a wide variety of musculoskeletal disorders among them. The objective of the study was to find out the effect of neck exercises and ergonomic modifications among Dentists. The study design was quasi experimental, Study type was pre-test post-test type. Inclusion criteria were working Dentists of age 25-40, both gender with experience of 1year and above. Exclusion criteria were recent trauma and surgery in neck, hereditary disorders. Working Dentists were approached, the procedure were explained and consent were taken to participate in the study 30 Dentists were selected and a format of simple Neck Disability Index questionnaire was given to them. The scores obtained with the help of the questionnaire helps to find neck disorders among Dentists. A stretch that was maintained for 15?30 seconds . Stretching, exercises and ergonomic modifications were done. After a period of 6 weeks with regular follow up of stretching the post test was done with the same questionnaire to obtain the scores. The results shows that Neck Disability Index questionnaire pre-test mean value(64.26)and the post-test mean value(45.2), it was statisticaly significant. Stretching exercises and ergonomic advices improves the quality of life of the Dentists and may prevents the early degenerative changes.