New Grad Back Pain

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Hi everyone!

I just started working on the floor 2 weeks ago. I love it and I love the fast pace because 12 (or 14) hrs go by really quickly. My only issue is, around 2/3pm (on a 7a-7p), my back starts hurting really badly. I have done 12hr shifts before in my last semester of practicum and I never had this issue. I am now starting to wonder if it is the shoes that I wear. But this back pain continues even 2 days after I am off. FOr example, last week I worked, Thursday and Friday, the pain was there even Sunday. It was fine because I went to the gym, did my usual workout and walk for 45mins on the treadmill and had no pain. Then yesterday was my first day back on, and the pain was unbearable. Im off today and each time, I get up out of bed, the pain is there strongly. I am now worried because tomorrow I'm back on and I don't know what to do. I am thinking about buying like Advil Body or one of those medications just to help now, but what can I do about this?

Thanks in Advance!:confused:

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I hear their pricey but maybe go to one of those places that analyzes your feet and builds custom orthotics. Or at least try a different pair of shoes since you seem to think that's contributing to the problem.

It also probably wouldn't be a bad idea to visit the Dr and just get checked out for injury. You never know what little thing is going to put your back out.

Another suggestion (after you've been to an MD and ruled out injury), is to see a chiropractor. Or even try regular massages. Not that their the same as a chiropractic adjustment, but it might be all that's needed to feel better.

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It might be the shoes. Do you ever get the chance to sit down at all during your shift. i know when I had a preceptor and was working at her pace (she never sat down), my back hurt like crazy. But after I was on my own and could pace myself it was much better.

Also try compression socks, they helped me through nursing clinicals.

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I think that is the problem. My preceptor is on her feet all day, so I have no chance to sit down. I've had preceptors before who had their days paced, so I was able to sit and do charting or read over charts. Noooo not this nurse. She told me about the compression stockings, which I would have to invest in because I won't be able to work like this.

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I have chronic back pain, I've found that yoga/stretching helps it greatly. My darling fiancee also gives massages everyday :). I'd say go with the advice above first see a doc or chiropractor to evalulate you. Then maybe just discuss with your precetor that her pace isn't working for you and ask her if you can try something different to avoid further injury to your back. Another thing to look out for is what your're doing at work. Are you raising the bed to do IV's? BP's? Turning/repositioning? All that bending over just KILLS me.

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I hear their pricey but maybe go to one of those places that analyzes your feet and builds custom orthotics. Or at least try a different pair of shoes since you seem to think that's contributing to the problem.

It also probably wouldn't be a bad idea to visit the Dr and just get checked out for injury. You never know what little thing is going to put your back out.

Another suggestion (after you've been to an MD and ruled out injury), is to see a chiropractor. Or even try regular massages. Not that their the same as a chiropractic adjustment, but it might be all that's needed to feel better.

Doh! Those should say "they're." Where's the edit button when I need it?

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an alternative to orthotics is superfeet--it's generic (not custom formed for your feet) but you can find them at any running store, and much cheaper than orthotics.

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Good shoes make all the difference. A lot of girls wear running shoes, but the thing is, as much as we "run" we aren't actually RUNNING. They're made to support you moving, not standing which is a lot of our day. I find walking shoes to be much better. Actually, I like my Medimex Plogs, but they've gotten impossible to find. Find some good shoes, the investment is worth it.

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I'm really careful about raising beds and lifting patients but there were days when I would wake up and had to stretch before I could even get out of bed because I hurt so bad! I bought a couple pairs of MBTs and the difference is night and day. My body still gets tired but it doesn't hurt like it did before.

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Are you drinking enough water? Sometimes when I get really busy and forget to drink water throughout the day I get dehydrated and my kidneys hurt. It feels like really bad back pain. I only ask because since it doesn't start until later in your shift, it may be something to think about. Certainly you should see a doc to rule out an injury.

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Specializes in Critical Care and ED.

I'm just giving you a head's up, about something you might not have considered. I struggled with back pain for about 15 years, thinking that nursing was being hard on my body, only to discover that all that time I actually had Endometriosis. My main symptom was back pain, and actually still is, although I have many more symptoms now. Just do a little reading and see if it's something that you think applies to you. I have a website about it: http://www.angryuterus.com

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Specializes in PACU, CARDIAC ICU, TRAUMA, SICU, LTC.

I have two bulging discs d/t a work injury. I wear a back support belt that helps.

It took me some time to get used to it, but now I wouldn't be without it.

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