Every year thousands of nurses experience back pain and hip pain as a result of "the job", from standing on their feet all day, carrying and moving equipment, moving patients, and more. Even the increase in the number of obese patients is making work more perilous, as the manual handling of heavy patients takes its toll.

Add to these day to day risks the fact that many nurses have to turn unconscious patients every hour or so and there are no lifting devices available. Most hospital rooms provide little space so lifting movements are often awkward and angled, putting the nurse in a position where she is unable to move in such a way as to prevent personal back injury.

More nurses suffer from lower back pain than in any other profession. According to a study from the University of Alberta Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine in Canada, 65 percent of orthopedic nurses and 58 percent of ICU nurses develop debilitating lower back pain at some point. It was this kind of understanding that helped create such programs as the Victorian Nurse Back Injury Prevention Project (VNBIPP) in Australia. This program, launched in 1998 "helps provide funding for health care organizations to assist them to implement programs to prevent back injury among nurses."

According to the American Journal of Critical Care 9000 healthcare workers sustain a disabling injury every single day. The primary cause for the nurses back injuries is the lifting of patients. Did you know that The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health recommends that women have a limit of what they can lift – only 46 pounds (20.7kg)! And yet daily nurses are lifting, turning, and transferring patients repeatedly during the day. We're sure that as you are reading this you're nodding your head and saying "I know!"

What can we do to prevent back injury?

It would be simple enough to say "I can't move this patient, I don't want to hurt my back," but that would most likely not only land you in trouble, but the unemployment line as well. Moving patients and the physical work is all part of the job, but there are steps that can and should be taken to prevent injury.

Investigate Back Care Guidelines in Your Hospital

Does your hospital or clinic have guidelines and rules to help prevent back injury? Are there any seminars or workshops on back care available? Find out what your facility has in place and help make your fellow nurses aware of these programs. Remember, you are part of a team and you all need to work together.

Creating Lift Teams

Many hospitals have lift teams in place. In acute care settings, having more than one nurse lift, shift, and/or transfer a patient can help reduce injury. This also includes, where possible, the use of lifting equipment.

Avoid Repetitive Movements

While it's true that moving patients laterally and turning patients every day is repetitive and that there really is no way to stop patient care (nor any way we actually WANT to stop patient care), it is important for nursing staff to some how be able to take rest periods after doing these repetitive motions within a short period of time. Coffee breaks are great times to relax and rest the back, but when not on a break, if a nurse has pain in her back she should be able to find relief from other staff if at all possible. Unfortunately, many hospitals and clinics are understaffed and until this can be addressed, nurses may be left with using their breaks to rest their backs.

Remember – Bend at the Knees

Bending to wash patients, pick up equipment and so on is part of every day. When possible, squat down, keeping the back straight, and lift up using the legs. This will help prevent strain on the lower back.

Avoid Prolonged Fixed Positions

Again, another factor in nursing is the holding of a patient or piece of equipment in one place for a long time. This can put incredible strain on the neck, shoulders, and back. If in a position like this, a nurse should, if possible, ask for relief from another nurse if possible.

Avoid Twisting by Turning Your Body

You have feet. Move them. When you must pick up something heavy, whether it be equipment or even a patient, planting your feet firmly on the ground for support is important, but as you turn, make sure you turn your feet and your entire body. Lifting and twisting can lead to lower back injury.

Good Shoes Mean Everything!

Every nurse knows that her feet are precious. Good shoes with good support and soft soles will help ease back pain, leg pain and feet pain.

Practice "Diva Like" Back Care

Your back is what keeps you in business, and you need to pamper your back! Here are some tips:

• Regular rest – take time to rest your back when you are not working.
• Don't be a hero – if you realize a patient lift is too much for you, ask for assistance.
• Regular massage – massage will help keep your muscles subtle and relaxed after a long day.
• Chiropractic help – if your back is bothering you, consult a chiropractor for possible adjustments or back care advice.
• Hot tub anyone? – soaking in a hot bath or hot tub at the end of a shift can help ease sore backs.

Knowing the Difference Between an Injury & Just a "My Sore Back"

A sore back after a long day is common. Maybe you over did it. Maybe you turned the wrong way. Maybe you had an especially large patient that was difficult to move. Any number of things can happen in a day to give you a sore back. The problem is that after a while a "sore back" should ease up and your pain should go away. If your pain does not leave and is affecting the rest of your shifts and your life, you may have a back injury. At this point you may need to see your physician for an evaluation.

Thousands of nurses have to leave the profession they love because of back injuries. While we may not be able to stop injury from happening, we can certainly reduce the statistics through our efforts.

For more information on how to prevent back injury and manage the moving, lifting and transferring of patients, here is a guide for preventing back injury.

Article © 2009 My Nursing Uniforms.com / Young Lion Incorporated
Image courtesy of Evil Erin.