will lower back problems restrict my ability to be a nurse?

hfdguy, LPN · May 3, 2007

Nursing is a very demanding job on your back... If I'm not helping the Aides pull patients up in bed, i'm bending, standing for long periods, running up and down the halls... I would have serious reservations if you have back problems already... either way, good luck following your dreams

mom4josh · May 3, 2007

I have had back problems since I was in my 20s and was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease about 10 years ago. I finally fulfilled my dream and became a nurse 6 years ago. Yes, I do at times have pain, but usually it is relieved by my pain meds. If you can control your pain sufficiently to do your job, don't let your fear stop you. Live your dream and good luck! (You could always do pediatrics or babies... they don't weigh much!)

Quickbeam, BSN, RN · May 3, 2007

Just a tip from one who has been there....Pediatrics isn't always the go to place for those with back injuries. Lots of bending, lifting, odd toddler cribs, ortho equipment as well as the very large, very impaired children who come our way. I did more heavy and awkward lifting in Pediatrics than I ever did in adult Med/Surg. At least on a general Pediatric floor, ages can run 0-18. And older, if the disorder is better known to the Peds staff than adult floors.

DTCC PreRN · May 3, 2007

I have the exact same back condition as you and had the same concerns as you. Fortunately my pain comes and goes. I went through PT and the only thing it offered was a position I could lie in that would alleviate the pain. Unfortunately you can't lie around and be a nurse at the same time.

After lengthy conversations with my ortho doc and lots of research on the net, I've found strength exercises help tremendously. The more I do to strengthen my back the less pain I have.

I ride my bike between 3-4 miles a day and I take the stairs at work. (we have a LOT of stairs). Sit ups help too. I feel great!

The only time my back begins to hurt now is when we're going to get rain. I take a little IBU and all is right with the world again.

I refuse to let this get in the way of my dream. I'm sure there are others out there who feel worse than me and get up and keep going every day. If they can do it, so can I!

Chaya, ASN, RN · May 3, 2007

Also important to remember: proper body mechanics when bending/ lifting etc is going to be crucial to being able to stay on the job and avoid injury. If you are doing therapy make sure your therapist goes over these with you. Some places of employment will have a class on lifts, boosts and transfer; very helpful if given.

jjjoy, LPN · May 3, 2007

To the OP, what does it mean to you to be a nurse? What kind of career and work are you thinking of pursuing as a nurse? What kind of physical work can and can't you do (or are willing to do)? For example, as one poster noted, working on a general pediatrics unit might not be good option if you want to minimize lifting. If you were more interested in public health nursing or working with eating disorders or addictions, then lifting probably isn't as much of an issue. If you want to work with patients in some capacity or study the health sciences, there are other paths besides nursing in which lifting isn't a major concern. Though it may take more work and creativity than for others without back issues, if you really want to be a nurse, you can probably find a way to make it work. Lots to think about! Good luck!

Esther2007 · May 3, 2007

It is depends on what area of nursing you are going to. If you are going to work for a private doctor, you should be ok. There are many areas you can do with you back pain, school nurse and community nurses are other areas to consider. Good luck to you

Clever User Name · May 3, 2007

If you can get through school and the year training you could work for an insurance company reviewing claims. I believe that would only require sitting. I am having problems different for you and sitting is the worst but maybe it would be ok for you. Just my 2 cents.

Tweety, BSN, RN · May 3, 2007

I don't think it's a good idea. Good body mechnics aside, the number one injury for nurses is back injuries, at a high cost to both society and the nurse. You would be risking causing further problems to your already existing back pain.

As you've already heard there are areas where you don't need a good back, and there are plenty of nurses working with bad backs and taking pain medications. So it can be done.

I oriented a nurse, who secretly admited a bad back to me. "I need surgery and am waiting for my insurance to kick in." Two days into the job she her back hurt so bad she quit.

Also, you're going to have to be truthful and mention to the school and employers of your condition. You might run into trouble, or have to prove your capabilities or provide MD clearance.

kstec, LPN · May 3, 2007

I work prn in a doctor's office and a LTC facility, and I can definitely tell the days that I've worked at the LTC facility. There is no way to avoid helping the CNA's. When a resident needs help, you help. I was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease a few years ago, after of course injuring my back when I was a CNA appx. 18 years ago. My back has just gotten worse over the years. I just graduated from a LPN program 1 year ago and may have to give up LTC already, due to my back constantly hurting. Unless I would develop pain in a place I never have had it before, I would never consider filling out a incident report because this is a pre-existing condition I've had for a long time. Definitely consider the wear and tear your back will endure being a nurse.

myrlpie · May 4, 2007

I work in a LTC facility and have for 16 years. I have a ruptured disc (L5) and also have a bone fragment lodged in a nerve in my left leg. I was diagnosed in 1995. My left leg has some numbness in it. It doesn't stop me from working. If I have pain, I take IBU. I am currently a wound care nurse. Plus I am very overweight and I work anywhere from 40 to 80 hours a week.