Affiliations: Career Extenders Inc., Omro, WI, USA | Spine and Sport Physical Therapy, Rhinelander, WI, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Gregory J. Books, Career Extenders
Inc., 117 W. Main, Omro, WI 54963, USA. Tel.: +1 920 685 0818; Fax: +1 920 685
3059; E-mail: gbooks@anteriorestdental.com
Abstract: 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.
Keywords: Sustained muscle activity, anterior support, trigger point
