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?
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.
Heh...I've already started having back pain issues, and I haven't even graduated yet. I worked as a maid at a motel this summer, which meant constant bending over and awkward lifting. In addition to that, there were only three maids (I hated that we were called maids) were responsible for the entire motel, which meant we worked 7 days a week with little hope of days off. Now, my shoulders tingle like something electric has been brushed over them when I do anything involving them. I've found that wearing GOOD shoes while cashiering (my new job) helps immensely with my lower back pain. I hope that you find a good solution--and then share it with us all!
I used to get back spasms (have never had bad back pain due to injury, thank God), and very good, comfy nursing shoes helped (brand name Hush Puppies). I also wear arch supports that are a life saver - if you are running around for that long, your arches will flatten. You can have these specially made or get some commercial ones from a chemist/pharmacy (but don't get ones that are too hard or you will hurt even more as I discovered!)
Also get into the habit of doing stretches, yoga and/or pilates - that loosens up tight muscles (you can get cheap DVDs from Target & Kmart). But when I did have bad back pain and nothing showed up on MRI, I found out it was also from endometriosis so get that checked out maybe by laparoscopy if you thinkg you may have it. You could even put a pillow like I do at your back when you are lying on your side at night - that helps support it. Also use heated up wheat bags on the affected area to stop spasms, and something like Goanna cream (deep heat cream), or ice gel.
One other thing that saved me from pain was a very good pillow. I just got mine from Kmart - it has a special shape for the neck - and after that my neck pain stopped and my back spasms disappeared. When I sit too long with my laptop studying my back aches, so I get up and stretch every hour or so. Also having a good, supportive sofa and chairs helps. Don't sit on hard chairs or hard floors - that will put your back into spasm. Also when you nip to the toilet on a shift, do some simple stretches like back arches, and calf stretches - I do that sometimes (if I get time!)
Specializes in Management, Emergency, Psych, Med Surg.
I have chronic low back pain. It hurts daily, no matter what I do. Good shoes help and finding time to sit for a few minutes. Stretching helps. I also got a new back support but have not worn it much yet.
Make sure you are sleeping on the correct type of mattress also. That helped me a lot. I also take routine anti-imflammatory medication and never miss a dose. I have had several steroid injections and that will hold me for about three months.
I like the suggestions of ruling out other problems. I think this is very important. DON'T have any surgery on your back unless you have severe neurological symptoms.
NiesyLuv
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What is MBT?