Back Injuries 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 Please follow us on Facebook, Linkedin, Pinterest and Twitter