[purseOnalityRN]

I do yoga on a regular basis before work... It keeps your body flexible and your muscles warmed... There are a few videos out there that teach yoga specifically for your back. I work in neuro and boy is it backbreaking work.. Tips:

* If you can't do it alone - do not attempt it. Always get help even if you aren't sure.

* Assess your pts strength EVERY time you get them up. They are in the hospital - strength and health always fluctuates.

* Practice good body mechanics: When doing transfers etc - always keep your limbs close to you and focus on getting your legs to do the primary work. Pretend you are lifting in a bubble that surrounds your body - never let your arms out of that bubble - otherwise your back will be doing the work.

your back is your career and your life take care of it!!!!

[Stopnik]

I have had horrible back trouble. Every day without fail, I do a series of stretching and strengthening exercises - followed by about 100 stomach crunches. Since I have done that - pain has been very manageable and I have not taken a single pill in over 4 months. I got most of my exercises from my chiropractor, which is a shame for him, as they work so well I don't go for too many adjustments any more. Also consider the following:

a) Find a book at your libarary called "Treat Your Own Back" by Robin McKenzie. He has a PT who revolutionized back treatment with the use of exercise. His exercises are simple, can be done anywhere, and focus on loosening your hamstrings while extending your back.
b) Keep active - join a gym and keep your body moving. There are not many machines that work on the lower back, but some do - as well as "swiss ball" exercises.
c) Make good body mechanics part of your daily routine....

[Cute_CNA]

Originally Posted by rogramjet

Braces are BAD!!!!! They weaken your back. If you don't have to use those muscles you won't. EXERCISE. Strengthen all of the muscles in your body, arms and legs to help lift, back (upper and lower) and abs for stability.

And get help if you need it. Believe me, people might complain, because that is what they do, but they will complain a lot more if you can't come to work because of your back and they are short staffed.

Nursing is one of the jobs with the largest number of back injuries, so protect yourself.

Braces in and of themselves are NOT BAD. I used to wear a Milwaukee brace.

What is bad is when people don't exercise when they're not wearing the brace. I wish I had exercised more.

[lee1]

Does your hospital have a safe patient handling policy?? Do they have lift teams?? Algorithyms for lifting??? Equipment to utilize under the algorithyms?? Proper initial assessments??? Any equipment???

[elizabells]

Originally Posted by Gompers

How do I care for my back?

I work in the NICU!!!!

Amen! I've had back problems for 10 yrs, and the NICU is the only clinical area I've been in where it wasn't screaming by the end of the day.

[Rayrae]

Ha ha Gompers I was about to post similar to yours before I read it... gonna say "work in Peds!" usually our patients are a lot smaller and parents are willing to help you lift 'em too.

Seriously there are a lot of good tips on this thread, I will have to try some yoga or pilates sometime soon.

[lee1]

Back, muscular injuries are the largest source of disability for nurses. No other thoughts??? No one using "safe patient and handling" programs???

[talaxandra]

We have a 'no lift' policy, which I appreciate, but you're never going to be able to remove manual handling from patient care - especially on my ward: stroke and neurosciences!
On my ward (and I think this is hospital wide) we only have electric beds, and a number of lifting machines (both hoists and standing lifters).
In addition, I do a yoga/stretch class most weeks, and see an amazing remedil massage therapist every fortnight. Since I started seeing him, about seven years ago, I haven't had any serious back problems - before that I had four WorkCover injuries.

[rehabnurse82]

I have found out after 6 years in the field, that the best way to care for your back, is to have patience!!!!!! Call for help or go find someone to help you. Yes, they may get annoyed having to stop what they are doing, but one of these days they will need help too. I have mildly hurt my back several times trying to be SUPERNURSE, and I can't do that anymore. If you need a lift, get one! Dont try to do it on your own. Or, if you have been trained in how to use a gait belt, get one of those too. They help out alot!! Exercise helps out too, but even if you work out all the time, you can't lift everything, or everyone!! Everybody needs a good body mechanics class and good stretching exercises. But most importanty, learn to wait for help. I know that floor get crazy, call lights are horrible, and visitors can keep you occupied for hours, but you have to live with your back the rest lf your life, SO TAKE GOOD CARE OF IT!!!!

[flightnurse2b]

i have found a pilates ball is really helpful. we got one after my fiance (an RN) ended up with 3 ruptured discs. his physical therapist recommended he get one for the house and i ended up using it more. it really helps me with lower back pain!