Poor posture resulting in back pain...help!

[Lajimolala]

I'm still a student right now, however, I just started working as an extern on the surgical floor. I do two or three 8 hour shifts a week, and just with that, I already come home aching in my lower back! I know it's due to poor posture and weak muscles as I have never had any back problems prior. Is this something my back will get used to or should I exercise more?

[dthfytr, ADN, LPN, RN, EMT-B, EMT-I]

When's the last time you had a good physical? I was working as an ER nurse for 25 years, a year+ as house supervisor nights. Kept thinking I needed to work harder to get in better shape. Got so sick, with back pain that kept me from walking upright, spent 2 years and all my retirement savings plus bankruptcy. Turns out I was severely anemic from multiple auto-immune problems. "Multiple Connective Tissue Disorder" has me permanently disabled now, primarily from muscle weakness caused by polymyositis. My point is that you sound like I did, work harder and things will get better. You have a lot of good advice preceding this post, but make sure there isn't a disease process or injury causing your problems. Good luck.