More than half of all ICU and orthopedic nurses questioned for a University of Alberta Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine study reported having job-related issues with debilitating lower back pain at some point. This isn't surprising, since nursing, in general, is a physically demanding profession. If this is what you or someone you know does for a living, read on to find out how nurses often deal with back pain.
Using Safe, Correct Lifting Methods
Moving bedridden patients and helping them do therapeutic exercises are just two of the many duties that can require nurses to lift or bend. Nurses can reduce the risk of lower back or sciatic nerve-related pain by keeping safe, correct lifting methods in mind and remembering to:
• Lift with the hips and knees
• Not bend directly at the lower back area
• Keep what’s being lifted close to the body
• Avoid excessive twisting or turning or turn the entire body instead
Minimizing Repetitive Movements
Repeatedly repositioning patients and performing other common tasks can place extra strain on muscles that support the lower back area and contribute to inflammation-based pain. Nurses often deal with this problem by varying their movements as much as possible. Getting regular exercise involving core muscle groups when not on duty can also be helpful by strengthening spine-supporting muscles.
Using Hot/Cold Therapy to Deal with Pain Flare-Ups
Nurses regularly help patients manage and ease pain. One common technique is using hot and cold therapy to facilitate the healing process and ease inflammation. Nurses dealing with back pain can use this same technique themselves by:
• Applying a heating pad briefly to the affected area for 15–20 minutes at a time
• Using ice packs or cooling gel to minimize tissue swelling
• Taking a warm, relaxing shower or bath after shifts are over
Wearing Comfortable, Supportive Shoes
Nurses dealing with lower back pain or sciatica are often aware of the need to be smart about footwear due to the amount of time spent on their feet. Issues with feet can throw off lower spine alignment enough to contribute to discomfort stemming from this area. With shoes, nurses are often able to reduce this problem by:
• Wearing lighter shoes that make it easier to walk around
• Avoiding stiff or higher-heeled shoes while working, especially during long shifts
• Opting for support, comfort, and stability over style
• Going with slip-resistant shoes to reduce the risk of slipping on slick hospital floors and reaggravating back pain
Getting Sufficient Sleep
It's often not easy for busy nurses to get regular consistent sleep. However, nurses who understand the importance of sleep in relation to pain management often make an effort to maintain beneficial sleep habits. Getting sufficient rest also gives tissues around the lower back and sciatic nerve time to naturally heal. Nurses can also make the most of their sleep time by:
• Choosing a supportive, spine-friendly mattress
• Sticking to sleep positions that retain the spine's natural alignment
• Making an effort to stick to a regular sleep schedule as much as possible
No matter what type of profession you practice, if your back pain is severe and long-lasting, a doctor may recommend surgery to provide relief. For example, if you have a herniated disc, also known as a “slipped disc” or “bulging disc,” a discectomy may be the best option. Although this is generally a very successful procedure, patients with a hole the size of a pencil eraser or larger experience 70 percent of all future reherniations. A new treatment, Barricaid, is a bone-anchored device that closes this hole in an effort to prevent reherniation. In a study of over 500 patients, it was proven 95 percent effective. This means 95 percent of patients didn’t experience a reoperation due to reherniation in the 2-year study timeframe.
If you have any questions about the Barricaid treatment, ask your doctor or contact us at 844-288-7474.
For full benefit/risk information, please visit: https://www.barricaid.com/instructions.