To dental professionals, the cumulative effects of poor oral care are obvious: plaque and tartar, periodontal issues, dental caries, and more. Less apparent,
however, is that while you work to protect your patients, your own health is at risk. Confined to chairs or stools whose basic design has not changed in centuries, you may be forcing your spine into an unnatural “C” position. This can lead to chronic lower back pain, muscle spasms, neck and shoulder disorders, and even a lack of manual dexterity. Research shows that almost 30% of dentists are forced to retire early due to back pain caused by poor posture.
Clinicians cannot change the fact that sitting is part of their daily life, but they can change how they sit. The Bambach Saddle Seat, from Hager Bambach, is scientifically designed and medically proven to correct the poor posture and pain created by conventional dental stools. The unique saddle design positions the pelvis directly below the upper body, allowing the spine to maintain its stress-free “S” shape. Free of the spinal compression and muscular tension caused by conventional seating, the body’s circulation and stamina improve, pain is reduced, and breathing becomes easier.
“With the Bambach chair, the operator is seated more upright with the elbows positioned closer to the body in a more natural position,” said Gregori M. Kurtzman, DDS, MAGD, DICOI. “This takes strain off the shoulders, and fatigue during long treatments or busy days is not felt as readily as with flat chairs.”
Typically, when seated in a flat chair, dental professionals position themselves so that their knees are at the same level as the hips (horizontal and parallel with the floor).
“Proper positioning in the Bambach chair so that the hips are at the optimal angle requires that the knees be positioned slightly lower than the hips to create an angle with the horizontal plane. This aids in removing loading of the lumbar region,” said Dr. Kurtzman.
Use of the Bambach saddle chair was shown to maintain an acceptable working posture, which may reduce the development of work related musculoskeletal disorders.
