Low back pain. Help!

Specialties Med-Surg

Published

Hi everyone! I started working on a very busy medsurg floor (aren't they all busy?) 8 months ago. We do 8 hr shifts & I've worn the same tennis shoes all along. On Friday I worked a double, on my feet non- stop for 16 & now my lower back is killing me! I didn't lift any patients which leads me to believe I'm hurting because of the lengthy shift. I'm not overweight however, I DONT exercise & have zero core strength. I've been reading this could be my issue. I'm almost 40 but I never thought this could happen from just being on feet all day!

My question, did anyone experience something similar & did the pain go away after a few days? What did you do? I've been staggering Motrin & Tylenol for the past 24hrs with some relief.

I plan to start some exercising, such as yoga, core strenghthening, back strengthening soon but I want to get this pain under control if possible.

Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

In addition to what you're doing currently, you may want to try different shoes.

Build up your core. Good shoes, like klone said.

I have 3 herniated discs, lumbar. I've been good for about 10 years, now, don't want to jinx it.

Glad you're good, back pain is horrible. I guess my shoes are good for 8 hrs but not 16hrs, ( I won't be doing doubles anymore)

Shoes make all the difference in the world! I had Danskos and LOVED them. When I replaced them, I went with the Dansko XPs. They were terrible!! I started having lower back pain and I couldn't figure out why. Within a year, I had to replace the XPs so I went back to original Danskos. No more lower back pain:)

I've tried different sized danskos at the store. Not sure if it's because I have narrow feet but my feet slide down. Is that how they fit you?

I've tried different sized danskos at the store. Not sure if it's because I have narrow feet but my feet slide down. Is that how they fit you?

There's a kind of a weird heel thingy that happens with my Danskos, yes.

I like it. :bag:

I've tried different sized danskos at the store. Not sure if it's because I have narrow feet but my feet slide down. Is that how they fit you?

Mine do that some too. But, Dansko's are also hand made some sometimes you have to try a few different boxes of the same size to find two shoes that it correctly. That's what I have always had to do.

Specializes in ICU, LTACH, Internal Medicine.

Shoes, shoes, shoes. If at all possible, get second pair and change mid-shift, especially if working double. It helps.

Core yoga, choreography, pilates, pure barre or core strength, whatever you like (and can afford), the point is to DO IT, and do it right. If you can get into a yoga class with good reputation, you will be able to form 7-minutes routine to do before, after and mid-shift (yes, people saw me doing "angry kitty" and "striking cobra" poses on the floor in the restroom... I taught them, too). The key is to find a teacher to show you core symmetry and how to it right way, so shop around and PLEASE do not start by videos or books till you get experience and learn how the particular system works with your body.

Hydration, calcium and vitamin D are important, watch your diet and do not get super-crazy about sunscreens.

Try to rest after the shift at least 30 min. prone on hard bed/floor (old world trick from ballet/gymnastics realm), it is the most effective way to relieve core muscles (deep back and big glutes).

Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Hi everyone! I started working on a very busy medsurg floor (aren't they all busy?) 8 months ago. We do 8 hr shifts & I've worn the same tennis shoes all along.
It is recommended that people who stand on their feet for a living change up their shoes at least every six months. The longer you wear a pair of shoes, the less support they provide over time.

Another technique is to wear a different pair of shoes every few days to reduce the wear on each pair of shoes.

I've had these for so long and never a problem till now.... I just bought some awesome asics, they are so comfy & I'll buy something else to rotate. Thank you!

Specializes in Ortho, CMSRN.

I live in Asics :) I had weird back pain once after work... turns out it was a kidney infection. I had developed a UTI from refraining to use the bathroom for an extended period of time (Didn't have time to pee kind of day) and it turned to a kidney infection. I thought I had thrown my back at first.

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