The 5 Most Common Causes of Back Injuries among Nurses Nursing is a physically and emotionally demanding field. Sometimes outcomes can be detrimental if you are on the job and something goes wrong. Back injuries in nurses are relatively common. Since you are always on your feet, going from place to place and standing around, you are especially vulnerable to back pain or injury. There are many things that can cause back injury. In nursing, there are important tasks which can cause back pain. Without having the proper technique with proper training, can cause serious repercussions for a nurse’s back. Related: The Top 5 Ethical Concerns of a Registered Nurse 1. Improper Lifting a. This is one of the most common causes of injury. Lifting or placing things improperly can cause serious back injury. Make sure you are lifting with your legs and knees, not your back, and not handling more weight than you can lift. Get someone to help you if you are having trouble lifting anything heavy. Lastly, keep whatever you are lifting close to your center of gravity. 2. Boosting Patients a. Boosting and lifting patients is another culprit when it comes to back injuries. Be conscious of your positioning, and be careful to not twist your back when lifting. b. To prevent these injuries, you should use a transfer board the help of another colleague. Additionally, keep your back in a neutral position and bend from the hips. This will help you lift objects and will prevent any back-related injuries. 3. Out of Shape a. If you are out of shape, there are higher chances of strains. By staying in shape, you are ensuring that you have the strength to get through your day without shortness of breath or fatigue. 4. Shoes a. Standing for a long time and/or walking around on hard floors puts a ton of stress on your back. Find shoes that are comfortable and that fit well. There are also many inserts that you can choose from to best fit your foot’s needs. Make sure you get some good, shock absorbing shoes.
Related: How to Handle Patients Who Self-Diagnose 5. Training a. Having employees trained properly is important for any business. In the medical field, this is even more so the case. Not only are staff integral to the system, but patients are as well. Back problems can make you to want to look for something other than ambulatory jobs. This is okay, but measures should be taken first, before jumping into something else. This is usually relatively easy to accomplish. By switching specialties or settings, you can get the relief you need. Overall, a good amount of back injuries can be prevented with minimal but powerful changes. When you take care of yourself, you will be the best nurse you can be. Your back does not have to suffer from your success. Related: International Nurses Association - What's Your Superpower? T-shirt Please follow us on Facebook, Linkedin, Pinterest and Twitter