Plan to end back pain - Looking for flexible people to respond!

[Murse Ah]

Hi all,

I just started as a CNA in the float pool a few months ago. Since I've started, I've just had back pain here and there. I only work once a week, so it's not that bad. But over time I think it's going to add up. I want to get these body mechanics nailed by the time I become an RN in a year.

The main issue I have with my back is how I have to reach to get to the patient. It's not with getting them up and about. I have to reach when we change linen and readjust the patient in the bed. Boosting used to be a problem, but I'm using my legs to pull and it no longer is a problem.

So, my plan is to bend at my hips rather than my lower back for reaching - while keeping my back straight. Only problem is I can't bend at my hips because I have tight hamstrings and calves - so I also don't know if this will work. My physical therapist said it would help though. I think as long as I can keep my back flat and prevent it from arching over, I think I can end my pain!

Will someone with more flexibility offer their insight on how this feels for them? It's going to take me about 2 months of stretching to reach this mark. I would like to know what it's like for you.

I wish I could upload an image about how this would look, but it won't let me.

[cnawoman]

Raising the bed up if its possible where you work will help a lot

[Murse Ah]

Yes, but reaching is still an issue for me. Watch how this guy explains it.

[dishes, BSN, RN]

When you change linen, turn and reposition patients, it is more about proper body mechanics than it is about flexibility. Can you demonstrate your current technique in front of your physio ? (ask a third person to be your demo patient). Once your physio observes you, they should be able to tell you how to adjust your body so that you use a wide stance and your thigh muscles, not your back.

[dishes, BSN, RN]

One method to use good body mechanics when turning a patient is; bend the patient's knees first, then put one of your knees on the bed (this allows you to get close to the patient and prevents you from reaching), pull the patient's hips towards you, reposition their shoulders and arms after the hips are in place.

[Murse Ah]

Thank you Dishes, your right about the knee on the bed idea. I tried it last week and it did feel easier and I'll have to remember to keep at it. I still see other people bend at their hips and they don't complain about pain from it. What are your thoughts on this?

[dishes, BSN, RN]

My thoughts are, if they are not bending their knees but they are bending their backs, they may not notice any pain at the time, but they may be causing accumalitve wear and tear on their backs and may feel the results of the damage as they age.

[Murse Ah]

Dishes, could you please look at this website and scroll down to the part where it shows the spine and hamstrings? I really think this could work and it makes perfect sense. This is what I was trying to explain earlier, it's rounding the back, versus bending the hips.

http://www.jessicashi.com/category/yoga-for-spine-care/