Dr S. on her conventional flat dental stool. Note the backward rotation of the pelvis and collapsing of her spine, causing postural stress. Her abdomen is inactive, promoting the protrusion of her head.

Dr S. on the Bambach Saddle Seat. Lumbar lordosis is restored, with upright pelvic position, shoulders, head and neck now relaxed, arms and hands able to work from an improved functional position.

Symptoms

Dr S. had been so used to having a sore lumbar spine that she had accepted the pain as an inescapable part of her career as a dental surgeon. Knowing that the pain was caused by her work, she could not recall that any helpful advise was ever given to her, when a student, about the ergonomics of dentistry. It was based on the "90-90-90" school of thought, which clearly does not work to avoid postural stress.

Dr S. was stiff and tired after a day's work, which affected her energy and motivation for other activities.

Her symptoms were made worse when she damaged her right shoulder, which subsequently resulted in a subluxing joint that needed surgical repair. While having physiotherapy for this injury Dr S. asked her physiotherapist for advice on how she could achieve the best position for her work. The physiotherapist recommended that Dr S. try the Bambach Saddle Seat.

Dr S. tried the Saddle Seat, sharing it with her dental assistant during the trial period. The result was positive, so Dr S. and her assistant both now use Bambach Saddle Seats and have done so for nearly two years.

Introduction to the Saddle Seat

Advice on how the seat can be adjusted was given by the New Zealand supplier with a recommendation that the working height be raised (which means raising the patient to a suitable height, as sitting in the Bambach Saddle Seat means sitting up with more reach).

Instruction was given about the fact that time is needed to get used to this new position. (Up to two weeks is needed, sometimes longer). Abductors often need to stretch while abdominal and back muscles tone up (these muscles are not active in conventional or flat seats).

Result

Dr S. said that she noticed that she was now sitting more upright and that:

“It was good to have my legs supported in abduction which gives me a nice, strong position, free to move with my feet on the floor and my posture so much better. I no longer need to lean back to rest.”

Dr S. also reports that her pain level is less and that with less postural fatigue she finds her other activities easier. Overwork and tiredness can still result in back pain, but infrequently, and it is now more easily relieved. An important benefit, Dr S. says, is increased awareness of posture:

“I always knew we (dentists) were prone to back problems; now I guess I am more aware of my own bio-mechanics.”