long days, back discomfort and cracking?!

Nursing Students General Students

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this might not be the right place to post this question but I figure many nurses/nursing students have back problems....

long days on my feet and sitting in class are literally taking over me, to the point where I can't concentrate! I love days I get to be in the hospital but my back gets so uncomfortable, it also happens when I sit for too long in class (no pain just a constant need to "crack" my back)

I exercise, and have seen a chiropractor but no solution so far!

does anyone else have this problem or any solutions? maybe bengay (i think thats how you spell it) showers? shoes (I wear sneakers all of the time), ways to sit??!

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Stretching is paramount. I use Ben Gay or capsaicin on my back and I never wear socks other than compression socks (you'd be amazed at the difference they make!)

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Proper shoes and good posture. Stretching exercises daily help too.

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Specializes in Emergency.

I found that my posture was terrible after spending hours and hours on my computer. I added a posture pillow behind me and raised my table height too. They have started selling shirts that make you pull back your shoulders, or alarm when you start to slump (so it must be a very common complaint)!

I second the compression stockings, and trying different shoes.

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Specializes in Neuro.

I second everything PPs said. Consider also getting a massage from time to time. I myself am not big on strangers touching me no matter their gift & I'm also a cheapskate. So, I recently asked my husband to do a quick back rub on me most nights & the difference has been significant. Worth a try. Hope you find that relief.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Trauma.

I have arthritis in my back, so nursing school with clinicals plus the 12-hour nights I work over the weekend can put a lot of stress on it. I use a lotion called Deep Blue, it's essentially a type of icy hot rub. I use it before I go to bed and on days I don't interact with patients (it has a very strong mint odor). Heating pads work nicely, as well. I have a regular one at home and I use cordless, disposable ones at school when I feel I need it.

Other than that, I also do pretty much everything that previous posters have mentioned. I wear compression stockings, wear orthopedic shoes,my sweetheart at home will rub my back for me and I constantly try to remind myself to keep a nice posture. When you work with patients, save your back! Every instructor I've had has really stressed that our backs are our money makers! Raise beds up to a suitable working height, use proper body mechanics when moving patients or when you're reaching for something.

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Specializes in Intensive Care.

For starters, you need a functional diagnosis. You can throw different lotions or stretches at it, and you can waste a lot of money on massage, chiro, accu, etc. hoping something's going to "fix" you. There are a million little potential causes for back pain. A talented PT, chiropractor or even massage therapist can narrow those causes down. The trouble I find is that like MDs, so few are truly talented. I myself am taking a nursing sabbatical from my other career: chiropractic, because while I was a great generalist, and 80% of my patients were happy, I want to be great. I wasn't ready to put myself through all the additional training I wanted, only to continue the haggle with insurance companies and completion with flashier, less capable chiros. So I'm going to be a great nurse while I find my chiropractic "hobby".

There may may be some big, obvious thing you can do first- lose weight, improve posture, strengthen your core, walk frequently.... Stretching has been found to be temporary relief providing, but we often stretch or "crack" as you say the wrong areas or motions.

If youve exhausted the above, or if your pain is getting worse, consider seeking a chiropractor with an orthopedic or sports diplomat. It is rare that a problem will benefit from more than 6-12 manipulations in series (1-3/wk), so if the chiro is suggesting 20+ visits, or has a "pre-pay" plan, turn and run. If you see anti-vaccination propaganda or adverts for "wellness" or "healthy baby" manipulation services, turn and run. Don't trust yelp or google reviews. They're usually bought and paid for.

If you're lucky enough to be near a clinic on the referral map at firwardthinkingchiro.com, that's a great start. Chiros who do a range of active rehabilitation/physiotherapies can be great.

There are great PRs our there as well, but the best ones won't be covered by your insurance, as they don't need the business (insurance companies cut all reimbursements and are incompatible with a small clinic). A great chiropractor will transcend all the negative stereotypes and should leave you impressed.

I didnt mean to sound sound like an advert, but I spend a lot of time and energy on this subject- refractory back pain- and it is a rapidly evolving, yet irritatingly elusive field.

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Specializes in RETIRED Cath Lab/Cardiology/Radiology.

You have received some good tips and information here, from thoughtful members.

However, per the Terms of Service, the members here may not offer medical advice.

We wish you improved health however you are able to attain it.

Closing this now.

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