It is unlikely
that there is a nurse having worked a year or more, that has not endured back
pain of some type. Hours of walking,
standing, not to mention lifting and moving; it's inevitable. There is no way to stop all problems with our
backs, but there are some things you can do to cut down, and sometimes prevent
back Injuries and aches.
Back Aches
A back ache is
not an injury. It is likely an overworked back that needs rest. If you have worked a 12 hour shift, and your
back doesn't ache, well, are, you are missing your cape, because you may very
well be a super nurse. A back that aches
needs recuperation time. Sitting in a
chair that supports the back is the best, option. A very straight back chair, with the legs
elevated is ideal. Backaches respond well to heating pads, and over the counter
medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen. When lying down, it's is best to lie on your
side, that will relieve pressure on the back and allow for some rest time. If a back ache last for more than a couple
days, it's probably time to visit the doctor's office. A urinalysis can rule out problems such as a
kidney infection, which often causes a low, dull backache.
Related: Training Student Nurses
Back Injuries
A back injury
is different from a backache. A back
injury generally is more of a sharp pain or a pain in one particular area on
the back. There are varying degrees of
back Injuries; some may create slight discomfort, while others can put a halt
to an otherwise productive day. If the
injury appears to be a pulled muscle, it's best to slow down, and give your
back a rest. However, do not become
immobile. Muscle pulls heal better with
movement and minimal exercise. Avoid
strenuous work, no heavy lifting until the injury has healed, but just keep
going at a much slower pace. Over the
counter medications can help, heating pads alternating with ice packs may
provide relief as well.
For severe
back pain, it may be necessary to see a doctor for proper diagnosis. The usual, course of treatment will be
medications to relieve pain, and usually muscle relaxers to help loosen tense
muscles. One problem with extreme muscle
pulls in the back is the sharp intense pain.
Each time that pain is inflicted, the muscles tense more, only adding to
the problem. For this reason, muscle
relaxers may be key in healing the injury.
Preventing Back Injuries
Be sure to
take sitting down breaks during long shifts.
When taking a break from a stressful work day, it's tempting to more or
less slouch back, however, that is not good for the back and is allowing for
adequate rest. Sitting in a straight
back chair with good posture will allow proper rest for your back, giving the
muscles used in walking a much needed break.
We have all
heard the proper lifting lecture over and over; lift with the legs and not with
the back. Using your back to lift weight
is putting a strain on the back that is going to create stress. Muscles, tendons, nerves, are all affected
when you lift using primarily the back.
Always ask for help when lifting or moving a patient. We all get busy, and you may feel you don't
have the time to wait for assistance, however a back injury will impact your
time with much more intensity than taking time to wait for help. If available, a Hoyer lift can do the work
for you. Again, it takes a little time
to set it up, however you will walk away with a smile, on your face instead of
a pain in the back.
Related: What is Prader Willi Syndrome?
There are
support belts that some people say help when twisting, turning, and
lifting. There is no actual proof of the
benefits of these devices; however, if it provides support and comfort, there
is no harm in wearing one.
Think before
taking action on anything that may cause a back injury. If there is any doubt in your mind on the
safety in proceeding, then it's most often not safe to proceed. Your employer would rather you ask for
assistance than to injure yourself. Back
Injuries are the number one injury of nurses in the U.S. and it has been this
way for the last 40 years. You know the
old expression, “An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure”? Well,
in this case, it's true.
Related: List of nursing organizations
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