Dear Dentist with EDS / JHS in pain

Email received from Dentist after meeting the person at a screening:

Dear Lance,

Thanks for the email. It turns out, the doctor (spine surgeon) diagnosed me with Hypermobility syndrome- apparently all of my joints have excessive mobility, which can lead to neck/back pain and headaches. He recommended going to PT and doing some Pilates/strength training. Do you have any experience with this type of issue?

Best,

DDS with EDS in pain

Yes, if you’re referring to Joint Hypermobility Syndrome (JHS), AKA Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), I work with people who have received this diagnosis regularly. In my professional opinion, something important to emphasize is that the diagnosis is only one aspect of your situation. It’s a precipitating factor.

Dentistry is hard enough on the body for someone with typical connective tissue. Your breathing, postures, and biomechanics at work will always be where the rubber meets the road. Your unique connective tissue precludes you to need more accountability for how you organize your body’s movements and positions.

A care plan that I’d put together for you would be based on the results of my physical exam and would also take into consideration the results of other exams you’ve had recently, but typically the adjustments I give improve your ability to move and perform exercises. The exercises I give will specifically match the demands of your work and will progress with your ability and function as they improve.

To address the root of your pain, you must improve your ability to work in ways that build strength and facilitate ease rather than put you in vulnerable positions for hours per day.

Overall, I think this is favorable news compared to a diagnosis that would require a more aggressive intervention. Feel free to follow up with more questions or reach out to our office if you’d like to schedule an appointment.

Lance