Diş hekimlerinde postür ve kas iskelet sistemi ağrıları arasındaki ilişkinin değerlendirilmesi

Background: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among dental students and to evaluate the relationship between MSD-related pain and spinal curvature parameters through postural assessment. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, participants completed a questionnaire that included demographic data, MSD symptoms (based on the Extended Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire – NMQ-E), and potential risk factors such as working hours, preferred working posture, prolonged sitting, ergonomic knowledge, physical activity, and electronic device use. Spinal posture analysis was conducted using the Spinal Mouse® device. Results: A total of 90 dental students (60 clinical and 30 preclinical) participated. The prevalence of MSDs in at least one body region over the past 12 months was 74.4%, significantly higher in clinical students (88.3%) compared to preclinical students (46.7%) (p<0.001). The most commonly affected regions were the neck (65.6%) and lower back (56.7%). Significant associations were found between MSD prevalence and female gender (p=0.017), longer clinical working hours (p=0.015), prolonged sitting (p=0.009), and lack of physical activity (p=0.049). Significant correlations were observed between working hours and lower back pain (r=0.274, p<0.05), prolonged sitting and neck/lower back pain, and electronic device use and neck pain (r=0.463, p<0.01). Thoracic kyphosis angles were significantly higher in males, while lumbar lordosis angles were higher in females. No significant differences were found in spinal angle measurements between clinical and preclinical students or based on the presence of MSDs. Negative correlations were observed between trunk flexion mobility and lower back pain (r=-0.233), and between lumbar lordosis and lower back pain (r=-0.826, p=0.000). Conclusion: The present study revealed that MSDs are common among dental students, particularly during the clinical period. This highlights the necessity of incorporating ergonomic practices and regular physical activity into dental education at an early stage