Relation and influence of neck and wrist pain on grip and pinch strength among dentists

Background: The dental professionals are exposed to Work -related Musculoskeletal Disorders such as the hand, wrist, shoulder, and neck pain that may affect their hand function and work performance. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence and relationship between neck and wrist pain with grip and pinch strength among dentists in Jeddah city in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Jeddah on 100 male and female dentists, their age ranged from 25 to 50 years. Dentists were assessed for neck pain by Neck Disability Index (NDI) and wrist pain was evaluated by the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ). In addition to that, a handheld dynamometer and pinch meter were used to measure grip strength and pinch strength on the dominant hand. Results: The results showed a significant weak negative relationship between the neck pain and grip strength (r= -0.3), and non -significant relation between the neck pain and pinch strength. In addition to that, the results showed a significant weak negative relationship between the wrist pain and grip strength (r=-0.2), and nonsignificant relation between wrist pain and pinch strength. The results of the simple linear regression analysis showed that grip strength was significantly influenced by neck pain measured by NDI (beta =-.27) then by wrist pain measured by BCTQ symptoms (beta=-.22) and BCTQ function ([3 =-.189). Conclusion: Neck and wrist pain has a negative impact on grip strength among dentists in Jeddah city in Saudi Arabia which might affect their work performance.