Poor posture resulting in back pain...help!

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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?

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Specializes in School Nursing.

If you exercise your "core", your abdominal region and back muscles, then you will notice better posture because it won't take as much effort to support your back. Look up on the internet for "core" exercises. Also any machines in workout facilities that exercise the back and shoulders, like a rowing machine is good as well.

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I don't know what kind of job you had before this one, but if you had a job that was not hard and did not move alot then I think you are experiencing back problems because your body is not used to this new job and new movements.Also remember to use proper body mechanics to prevent any back injury. I had the same problem when I started my clinicals.

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I have insoles in my shoes specifically for back pain. Also, contracting your abs helps immensely, and consciously trying to point your coccyx toward the ground helps align your spine. It takes practice, but it helps.

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I have heard that Skechers Shape Ups can help with posture and lower back pain. I just got a pair today but I haven't tried them out yet.

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Specializes in Trauma Surgical ICU.

The shape ups do help.. I bought mine a few weeks back and my back no longer hurts after my shifts.

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The shape ups are modeled after MBT's. When I started 3 12hr shifts in a row my lower back was dying and ive never had back pain. So I bought MBT's online at Zappos.com and wear them all the time. AT work (well when I worked) my back did not hurt. I was exhausted, but no pain. Great great shoes. And with Zappos, they arrive within 2 days after you order. and if you need a diff size, you can order them and they will ship the new size out right then and I swear I got mine that next day! Sent the other ones back and still love mine a year later. Plus they make you about an inch taller!!!

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Thank you soooooo much for all this info. I am actually going to put into effect everything all of you have suggested! My aching back thanks you!

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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?

You'd need to work on your core muscles. Those exercise balls are good to help with that. Just sitting on them at home even. Also I would check with either a physio or chiropractor (I go to both) to ensure there isn't something else wrong that may be affecting your back. For example I have high arches so my ankles roll in and it puts pressure all the way up, hurting my back. (Admittedly I also have slight scoliosis in my back but the high arches were causing my initial pain.) I wear orthodics in my shoes so it helps with my back. Plus 6 weekly check ups with the chiro and it's all good.

I find my posture improves once I've been to the chiropractor too.

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The shape ups are modeled after MBT's.

What does "MBT" stand for? I tried to look for them online, but couldn't find anything.

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What does "MBT" stand for? I tried to look for them online, but couldn't find anything.

Stands for Masai Barefoot Technology, but just google MBT Shoes and about 100 websites will come up.

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Pilates for core strengthening, get a scan of your back to make sure there are no issues ( schools use to do scoliosis checks) mine wasn't picked up til I was 15 and by then I was too old for a back brace and not bad enough for spinal fusion. Also try complimentary medicine like acupressure, acupuncture or raiki

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