A practical guide for clinicians who want better positioning, cleaner documentation, and less operator fatigue
Dental surgical microscopes can be transformative—but many practices don’t get the full benefit because the microscope is difficult to position, the operator is fighting posture, or documentation requires awkward add-ons. The right microscope accessories for dental surgery—especially microscope adapters and microscope extenders—can make a microscope easier to use across procedures, rooms, and providers without forcing a complete equipment replacement. At DEC Medical, these upgrades are a common, high-ROI way for teams to improve daily comfort and clinical workflow while preserving the microscope they already trust.
Why accessories matter as much as the microscope itself
Modern dental operating microscopes are valued for coaxial illumination, adjustable magnification, and the ability to support digital documentation—all tied to better visualization of fine anatomy and improved procedural control in fields like endodontics, periodontics, and microsurgery. Professional organizations and clinical literature consistently emphasize magnification + illumination as key contributors to precision and predictability in endodontic care. (aae.org)
Where many practices struggle is the “last mile”: getting the microscope to fit the operator, the assistant, the operatory layout, and the documentation setup. Accessories solve these real-world problems by addressing:
• Ergonomics: positioning the scope so the clinician can keep a neutral neck/back posture.
• Compatibility: bridging differences between microscope brands, mounts, and optical pathways.
• Workflow speed: reducing time spent “fighting” the scope between steps or between providers.
• Documentation: adding camera/beam-splitter pathways that don’t compromise the primary view.
The ergonomic case: reducing strain without compromising precision
Dentistry is physically demanding, and posture-related musculoskeletal risk is well documented. A key advantage of microscope-based dentistry is that it can support a more upright, neutral working posture compared to unaided vision or even loupes in certain tasks. Evidence-based ergonomic reviews report lower assessed risk/fatigue classifications when a surgical microscope is used versus loupes or naked-eye work in dental surgery simulations. (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
Where extenders and adapters come in: even the best microscope can force poor posture if the optical head won’t sit where you need it. Accessories can help the microscope “meet you” rather than the operator bending to meet the microscope.
| Common problem in the operatory | What it can cause | Accessory-based fix (typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Operator must lean forward to keep the tooth centered | Neck/upper back strain; loss of fine motor stability late in the day | Microscope extender to increase reach and improve balance/positioning |
| Assistant can’t get a comfortable line of sight | Inefficient four-handed dentistry; repeated micro-pauses | Adapter for assistant scope/ergonomic alignment (model-dependent) |
| Camera mounting blocks movement or alters working distance | Scope feels “top heavy”; positioning becomes frustrating | Beam-splitter/camera adapter pathway designed for stable integration |
| Microscope head won’t align well in a smaller operatory | Chair and delivery system interfere; reduced access | Extender + mount/adapter configuration to change the working envelope |
Quick “Did you know?” facts clinicians actually use
Coaxial illumination matters
Microscopes deliver shadow-reduced light along the line of sight, which is a major reason they’re favored for micro-anatomy tasks in endodontics and surgical dentistry. (agd.org)
Documentation isn’t just marketing
Integrated camera pathways can support patient communication, referrals, and clinical record clarity—without forcing clinicians to improvise camera placement. (agd.org)
Ergonomics is measurable
Ergonomic risk tools (like RULA-based assessments in studies) have shown lower risk classifications when clinicians work with a surgical microscope versus without magnification aids. (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
Accessory breakdown: what adapters and extenders do (and how to choose)
“Microscope accessories” can mean many things, but in day-to-day dental surgery workflows, two categories drive the biggest usability gains:
1) Microscope Adapters
Adapters solve compatibility and integration problems—helping connect components that weren’t originally designed to work together. This can include optical interfaces (like camera adapter pathways) or mechanical interfaces (mounting compatibility). Many microscope systems support beam splitters and camera adapters so clinicians can capture photos/video without sacrificing the primary optical view. (imda.moh.gov.vn)
Selection checklist:
• What microscope manufacturer/model are you using today?
• Are you integrating a camera, assistant scope, or specialty attachment?
• Do you need brand-specific adapter geometry (e.g., for certain optical ports)?
• Will the adapter affect balance/clearance in your operatory layout?
2) Microscope Extenders
Extenders focus on reach, positioning, and operator comfort. If a microscope can’t comfortably “float” into the working zone—especially for different provider heights, chair positions, or multi-op setups—an extender can expand your positioning range and reduce the urge to lean, twist, or shrug during fine work.
Selection checklist:
• Are you consistently short on reach, or fighting the microscope arm travel?
• Do multiple clinicians share the same microscope?
• Is the challenge clearance around lights, monitors, or delivery units?
• Do you want to improve neutrality of posture at your most-used magnification levels?
A simple way to decide: if the problem is “it won’t connect,” think adapter. If the problem is “it won’t comfortably reach,” think extender. If it’s both, the best setups are planned as a system so balance, clearance, and optical pathway stay predictable.
Practical note: Any time you add components to the optical head (camera systems, beam splitters, guards), re-check your neutral posture at the positions you use most. Small changes in alignment can add up across a full clinic day.
A United States perspective: standardizing microscope setups across multi-site teams
Across the United States, multi-provider and multi-location practices have a recurring microscope challenge: one operatory is optimized, another is “close enough,” and a third becomes the room everyone avoids for microsurgery. Accessories can reduce variation by standardizing:
• Camera documentation outputs for consistent patient education and records (especially when referrals are involved). (agd.org)
• Operator positioning so clinicians don’t have to relearn posture room-to-room.
• Compatibility plans that keep legacy microscopes productive instead of sidelined by minor fit issues.
This is one reason practices often upgrade in phases: optimize ergonomics and integration first, then consider larger platform changes later—based on measured workflow improvements and staff feedback.
CTA: Get a microscope accessory compatibility & ergonomics check
If your microscope is optically excellent but ergonomically frustrating, a short compatibility review can identify whether an adapter, extender, or documentation pathway is the cleanest fix—without guesswork.
Request Expert Help
Prefer to prep first? Share your microscope model, current attachments (camera/beam splitter/assistant scope), and a photo of the operatory layout.
FAQ: Microscope accessories for dental surgery
Do microscope extenders change magnification or image quality?
Extenders are primarily mechanical/positional components, so they typically don’t change magnification. The main impact is how easily you can position the optical head to keep a stable, centered view—supporting consistent posture and fine motor control.
What’s the difference between a beam splitter and a camera adapter?
A beam splitter is the optical component that diverts a portion of the light to a secondary path. A camera adapter is the interface that helps a camera properly connect and focus on that path. Many microscope systems are designed to support both for documentation workflows. (imda.moh.gov.vn)
Are microscopes only for endodontics?
Endodontics is a major use case, but microscopes are also used in restorative dentistry, periodontics, and surgical procedures where improved visualization, illumination, and ergonomics are valuable. (agd.org)
Can accessories help with provider comfort, or is that mainly about the chair?
Seating matters, but microscope positioning is often the bigger driver in micro-procedures. Reviews of ergonomic interventions highlight that posture risk can change significantly depending on the visual aid used, with surgical microscopes showing lower risk classifications in certain dental surgery tasks. (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
What information should I have ready before ordering an adapter?
At minimum: microscope brand/model, existing ports/attachments, whether you’re adding a camera/assistant scope, and the mounting style. If documentation is the goal, share the camera model and desired output workflow (photo vs video, chairside display vs record storage).
Glossary (quick definitions)
Coaxial illumination
Light delivered along the same axis as the clinician’s view, helping reduce shadows in deep or narrow working areas. (agd.org)
Beam splitter
An optical component that splits the light path so a camera or secondary viewer can receive an image while the operator continues to view through the eyepieces. (imda.moh.gov.vn)
Camera adapter
The interface that connects a camera to the microscope’s camera path so the image is properly aligned and focusable. (microscopeinternational.com)
RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment)
A common ergonomic assessment method used to estimate posture-related risk for the upper body during work tasks. (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
Helpful next steps on the DEC Medical site: Products · Microscope Adapters · CJ Optik · About DEC Medical
Dental Microscopes & Ergonomics: How the Right Adapter or Extender Can Reduce Fatigue Without Replacing Your Scope
August 5, 2026A practical, clinic-first guide to posture, working distance, and accessory “stack” decisions
Dental microscopes are often purchased for visualization—but many teams quickly learn that comfort is what determines whether the microscope becomes a daily driver or a “special procedure only” tool. Neck and shoulder strain, wrist tension, and awkward elbow positioning usually aren’t caused by the microscope brand itself. More often, the root issue is the setup: how far the optics sit from the patient, where the binoculars land relative to your posture, and whether the accessory stack supports your body mechanics across an entire schedule. DEC Medical helps practices fine-tune microscope ergonomics with high-quality microscope adapters and custom extenders—often solving fatigue and positioning problems without the cost and downtime of a full replacement.
Why ergonomics matters as much as magnification
Musculoskeletal strain is a familiar reality in dentistry. Research reviews and controlled posture studies have repeatedly shown that magnification systems (including dental operating microscopes and loupes) can improve working posture compared with working unaided—particularly for head/neck and trunk angles—when the system is properly set up. (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
The catch is that “having a microscope” and “working ergonomically under a microscope” are not the same thing. If the binoculars are too high, the objective too short, or the assistant’s position forces repeated twisting, clinicians will compensate with their body. Those small compensations become repetitive stress by the end of a long week.
The “accessory stack” concept: where fatigue problems usually start
Think of your microscope like a modular system. Between the microscope body and the clinical field, you may have:
Common components that impact ergonomics
• Objective lens (working distance): Changes how far you are from the patient and how the scope “lands” over the mouth.
• Binocular tube angle & height: Determines whether you stay neutral or crane your neck.
• Adapter(s): Enables compatibility across microscope manufacturers or accessories, and can affect alignment and stability.
• Extender(s): Adds controlled spacing to improve positioning and reach—often the simplest fix when your “ideal posture” and “ideal field position” don’t overlap.
• Camera/beam splitter/light attachments: Adds weight and changes balance, which can subtly affect drift and operator posture.
A key insight from real-world accessory planning is that many “I need a new microscope” complaints are actually “my stack doesn’t fit my operatory, my height, or my workflow.” Adjusting spacing and compatibility—often with a properly selected extender or adapter—can restore comfort without changing your optics. (decmedicalllc.com)
Adapter vs. extender: what’s the difference (and why it matters)
| Accessory | Primary job | When it’s most helpful | Common ergonomic win |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microscope Adapter | Improves compatibility between components (scope, accessories, manufacturers) | When integrating a new accessory into an existing microscope setup | More stable alignment and fewer “workaround” positions |
| Microscope Extender | Adds precise spacing/offset to reposition the optical path and improve reach | When your posture is neutral but the field position is “just out of range” | Better working distance and less neck/shoulder loading across long procedures |
Extenders are often misunderstood as “magnification add-ons.” In most clinical setups, the goal is mechanical spacing and ergonomic positioning—helping the microscope fit the room and the operator—rather than changing magnification. (decmedicalllc.com)
Did you know? Quick facts that affect daily microscope comfort
Small height mismatches compound over time
Even modest neck flexion repeated across multiple patients can become a “silent limiter” for microscope adoption—especially on endo and restorative days.
A microscope can improve posture—if it’s tuned
Studies comparing unaided work vs. loupes vs. microscopes show measurable posture improvements, but the ergonomic benefit depends on the setup and working position. (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
Infection control practices should extend to equipment touch points
CDC guidance emphasizes Standard Precautions and appropriate barriers/cleaning for clinical contact surfaces in dental operatories. Your microscope handles, touch surfaces, and accessories should be part of that plan. (cdc.gov)
A simple diagnostic checklist: what to adjust first
Before you change microscopes—or accept discomfort as “part of the job”—walk through a structured check. Many issues can be isolated in minutes.
Step 1: Start with neutral posture (then bring the optics to you)
Sit or stand how you want to work for the next 30–60 minutes: shoulders relaxed, elbows close, head balanced (not pushed forward). If you must “hunt” for the oculars, the tube angle/height or scope position is off.
Step 2: Confirm working distance and objective selection
If you feel cramped, collide with the patient’s chest, or can’t position the assistant comfortably, you may be fighting your objective working distance. If you’re too far away, you’ll reach—loading shoulders and wrists.
Step 3: Evaluate whether spacing (an extender) solves the problem
If your posture is good but the field is consistently “just not there,” an extender can add controlled reach so the microscope sits where it should—without forcing you to lean. This is especially common when adding camera components, beam splitters, or when switching operatories.
Step 4: Confirm compatibility and stability (adapter selection)
Wobble, drift, or “almost fits” hardware is more than an annoyance—it drives micro-compensations in your posture. Purpose-built adapters can improve compatibility across components and help your setup feel integrated rather than improvised.
Step 5: Don’t forget infection control touch points
Microscopes add new “high-touch” surfaces: handles, knobs, camera controls, and frequently adjusted accessories. CDC guidance for dental settings emphasizes Standard Precautions, PPE, and protecting/cleaning clinical contact surfaces—build a consistent barrier and disinfection workflow for the microscope just as you do for sensors and other equipment. (cdc.gov)
A United States perspective: scaling consistency across operatories
For multi-provider clinics and DSOs across the United States, the biggest microscope challenge is consistency. Two operatories can “feel” completely different with the same microscope model due to chair geometry, assistant positioning, ceiling height, and how suction/cords route around the scope. That’s where adapters and extenders become operational tools—not just accessories.
Standardizing a few proven configurations (for example, one setup optimized for endodontics and another for restorative) can reduce daily adjustment time, simplify training, and help clinicians maintain posture even when switching rooms.
CTA: Get a microscope ergonomics compatibility check
If your team is experiencing neck strain, limited reach, or a microscope setup that “almost works,” DEC Medical can help you identify whether an adapter, extender, or small configuration change can restore comfort and stability—often without replacing the microscope.
Contact DEC Medical
Tip: When you reach out, include your microscope make/model, a list of current accessories (camera/beam splitter/objective), and a quick description of the posture or positioning issue.
FAQ: Dental microscope adapters, extenders, and ergonomic setup
Do extenders change magnification?
In most clinical use, extenders are chosen for mechanical spacing and ergonomic positioning—helping the scope sit where you need it—rather than changing magnification. (decmedicalllc.com)
How do I know if I need an adapter or an extender?
If the issue is compatibility (parts don’t mate correctly, alignment feels “off,” or the stack isn’t stable), start with an adapter. If the issue is reach/positioning (your posture is neutral but the field isn’t), an extender is often the better first step.
Can a microscope really help with posture and neck strain?
Evidence suggests magnification systems (including microscopes) can improve posture compared with working unaided, but results depend on ergonomic setup and how the clinician positions their body over time. (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
Do microscope accessories create extra infection control steps?
They can. Microscopes introduce additional clinical contact surfaces and touch points. CDC guidance for dental settings emphasizes Standard Precautions, appropriate PPE, and barrier protection/cleaning for surfaces that may become contaminated during care. (cdc.gov)
What information should I gather before ordering an adapter or extender?
Note your microscope make/model, objective working distance, binocular tube type/angle, and any add-ons (camera, beam splitter, illumination accessories). If possible, describe the issue in one sentence (example: “neutral posture, but I can’t center the field without leaning forward”).
Glossary (quick definitions)
Accessory stack
The combined set of components between the microscope body and the clinical field (objective, adapters, extenders, splitters, cameras) that influences position, balance, and ergonomics.
Working distance
The distance from the objective lens to the treatment field where the image is in focus. This strongly affects how close you must sit/stand and how the microscope fits around the patient.
Microscope adapter
A precision component that enables compatibility and alignment between microscope parts and accessories, often across different manufacturers.
Microscope extender
A spacing component designed to reposition the optics for improved reach and ergonomic positioning, helping clinicians maintain neutral posture.
Standard Precautions
CDC’s baseline infection prevention approach in healthcare, including dental settings, used to reduce the risk of transmission during patient care. (cdc.gov)
Ergonomic Microscope Accessories: How Adapters & Extenders Reduce Clinician Fatigue Without Changing Your Microscope
August 3, 2026Small hardware changes that protect posture, improve reach, and keep procedures flowing
Dental and medical professionals often invest in magnification to see better and work more precisely—yet still find themselves “chasing the view” with the neck, shoulders, and low back. Ergonomics isn’t just about the chair or where the patient is positioned; it’s also about how your microscope physically fits your operatory and your body mechanics.
At DEC Medical, we’ve supported the New York community for decades with surgical microscope systems, plus high-quality adapters and extenders designed to improve compatibility and clinician comfort across microscope setups. This guide explains what ergonomic microscope accessories actually do, when they’re worth it, and how to choose them so you gain reach and posture—not added complexity.
Why ergonomics matters even when you already use magnification
In dentistry and many outpatient procedures, musculoskeletal strain is commonly linked to static postures, awkward neck flexion, and repetitive positioning. Ergonomics guidance from organizations like the ADA and CDC/NIOSH emphasizes strategies such as neutral posture, microbreaks, and better workstation design to reduce risk over time.
The missing piece many clinicians overlook: if your microscope’s geometry forces you to lean, twist, or reach—even slightly—those “small” compromises repeat all day.
Ergonomic goal for microscope work: bring the optics to your neutral posture, instead of bringing your posture to the optics.
Adapters vs. extenders: what’s the difference?
Both accessories can improve ergonomics, but they solve different problems. Use this comparison as a quick filter before you start measuring anything.
| Accessory | Primary job | Ergonomic benefit | Common use cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microscope Adapter | Connect components across manufacturers or formats (camera, beam splitter, accessories, mounts) | Keeps your preferred positioning while adding tools; prevents “awkward add-ons” that shift your working posture | Compatibility upgrades, accessory integration, imaging workflows |
| Microscope Extender | Increase reach/clearance or reposition the microscope head to better match your operatory | Reduces reaching, shoulder elevation, and torso lean by bringing the scope to your neutral zone | Tight operatories, difficult patient positioning, limited arm travel, multi-user rooms |
A practical rule: if the problem is “it doesn’t fit together”, think adapter. If the problem is “it doesn’t reach comfortably”, think extender.
Where ergonomic microscope accessories make the biggest difference
If you’ve optimized your chair height and patient position but still feel tension during microscope procedures, the root cause is often mechanical alignment. Look for these “tells”:
1) You lose posture to keep the field centered.
If you repeatedly lean forward or rotate your trunk to stay on-axis, the scope may need additional reach or clearance.
If you repeatedly lean forward or rotate your trunk to stay on-axis, the scope may need additional reach or clearance.
2) Your shoulders “float” during fine work.
Elevated shoulders and abducted arms often show up when the microscope head is slightly out of the clinician’s neutral working envelope.
Elevated shoulders and abducted arms often show up when the microscope head is slightly out of the clinician’s neutral working envelope.
3) Accessories force awkward workarounds.
If adding a camera, beam splitter, or guard changes your posture or bumps into other components, a properly matched adapter can restore clean geometry.
If adding a camera, beam splitter, or guard changes your posture or bumps into other components, a properly matched adapter can restore clean geometry.
Ergonomics resources often emphasize reducing awkward posture and static load. Hardware choices matter because they can remove the need for repeated compensations—especially during long, detail-intensive procedures.
Step-by-step: choosing the right ergonomic microscope accessory (without guessing)
Step 1: Identify the “pain moment,” not just the pain location
Note when fatigue spikes: during posterior work, endo access, suturing, photography, assistant handoff, or repositioning between quadrants. This points to reach/clearance issues versus general conditioning.
Step 2: Map your neutral zone
Set up your chair and patient position where your spine feels neutral and your elbows can stay close to the body. Then bring the scope into position. If the scope can’t get there without you compromising, you’re in extender territory.
Step 3: Check clearance with accessories installed
If adding imaging or protective components changes your head/neck posture (or forces you to scoot your chair repeatedly), an adapter that preserves alignment can be the cleanest fix.
Step 4: Confirm compatibility before purchasing
“Fits” isn’t only about threads or mounts; it’s also about maintaining balance, working distance, and the angles you rely on. A quick compatibility check can prevent expensive trial-and-error.
Quick “Did you know?” facts clinicians bring up all the time
Did you know? The ADA has reported that many dentists experience work-related pain/discomfort, commonly affecting the neck, shoulders, and back—making ergonomic positioning a practice-level issue, not a personal one.
Did you know? CDC/NIOSH ergonomics guidance highlights that static postures and awkward positions are key risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders—exactly the kind of exposure pattern microscope users can face during long procedures.
Did you know? Many ergonomic frameworks focus on “fitting the task to the worker.” In microscope workflows, adapters and extenders are often the fastest way to make that principle real—without rebuilding an operatory.
Local angle: what U.S. practices should consider before upgrading
Across the United States, practices often share the same constraints: operatories built at different times, multi-provider rooms, and equipment mixed across brands and generations. Ergonomic microscope accessories can be a smart “bridge” upgrade when:
• You’re standardizing imaging and need consistent component alignment across rooms.
• You’re trying to reduce fatigue without replacing a functioning microscope.
• You’re onboarding associates and want a setup that adapts to different body sizes and operator preferences.
If your team is already investing in wellness routines (stretching, microbreaks, posture coaching), aligning the microscope mechanically helps those habits “stick” during real clinical pressure.
Explore
Learn more about DEC Medical’s background and approach to supporting microscope ergonomics.
Shop
Browse products and accessory options designed for better compatibility and workflow.
Adapters
If you’re working with specific adapter families, see what’s available and how integration typically works.
CTA: Get an ergonomic fit check for your microscope setup
If you’re considering ergonomic microscope accessories (adapters, extenders, or both), a quick review of your current configuration can help you avoid mismatched parts and get to a more neutral working posture faster.
FAQ: Ergonomic microscope accessories
Will an extender change the optics or image quality?
An extender is primarily a mechanical positioning solution. Image quality is typically driven by the microscope’s optical system and proper alignment. The key is selecting an extender designed to maintain stability and balance for your specific configuration.
An extender is primarily a mechanical positioning solution. Image quality is typically driven by the microscope’s optical system and proper alignment. The key is selecting an extender designed to maintain stability and balance for your specific configuration.
When do I need an adapter instead of “making it work” with spacers?
If you’re adding cameras, beam splitters, guards, or brand-to-brand components, a purpose-built adapter can preserve alignment and reduce wobble or awkward repositioning. Improvised stacking often introduces tilt, clearance issues, or stress on joints and mounts.
If you’re adding cameras, beam splitters, guards, or brand-to-brand components, a purpose-built adapter can preserve alignment and reduce wobble or awkward repositioning. Improvised stacking often introduces tilt, clearance issues, or stress on joints and mounts.
How do I know if my discomfort is “setup-related” or just a long day?
If discomfort consistently spikes during certain positions (posterior access, upper arch, photography, or rotating between quadrants), that pattern often points to reach/clearance problems. A setup review can clarify whether an extender/adapter would reduce repeated compensation.
If discomfort consistently spikes during certain positions (posterior access, upper arch, photography, or rotating between quadrants), that pattern often points to reach/clearance problems. A setup review can clarify whether an extender/adapter would reduce repeated compensation.
Can ergonomic microscope accessories help in multi-provider operatories?
Yes—especially when the same microscope must accommodate different heights, seating preferences, and procedure types. Better reach and cleaner alignment can reduce “reset time” between users and help keep everyone closer to neutral posture.
Yes—especially when the same microscope must accommodate different heights, seating preferences, and procedure types. Better reach and cleaner alignment can reduce “reset time” between users and help keep everyone closer to neutral posture.
What information should I have ready before I contact DEC Medical?
Your microscope manufacturer/model (if known), current mount/arm style, what you’re trying to add (camera, splitter, guard), and the specific moment you feel strain (reach, neck flexion, shoulder elevation, repositioning frequency). Photos of the current setup can also help.
Your microscope manufacturer/model (if known), current mount/arm style, what you’re trying to add (camera, splitter, guard), and the specific moment you feel strain (reach, neck flexion, shoulder elevation, repositioning frequency). Photos of the current setup can also help.
Glossary (quick definitions)
Adapter
A connector component that allows compatibility between microscope parts, accessories, or brands while preserving alignment and function.
Extender
A mechanical accessory that increases reach or repositions the microscope head for better clearance and clinician posture.
Neutral posture
A working position that minimizes joint strain—commonly associated with a balanced spine, relaxed shoulders, and elbows close to the body.
Work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD)
Injuries or disorders affecting muscles, tendons, nerves, or joints that are associated with workplace exposures like repetitive motion, awkward posture, or static load.
Note: This content is educational and not medical advice. If you have persistent pain, consult a qualified healthcare professional.