No matter your age or gender you need to save your back. In nursing school, during a clinical and my turn to pass medication to the assigned patients assigned. Nothing is as nerve-racking than having a faculty member over your shoulder making sure everything is done to perfection. I can’t remember the medication given, but the IV medication to be pushed over three minutes, then the flush also had to be administered over the same amount of time. I was bent over for six long minutes. I felt every second in my back, it was here I realized I should have raised the bed, afterward the faculty member states “don’t do that you will ruin your back quickly.”
#1 Raise the bed don’t bend over
Well, earlier in my career, whether giving medications or cleaning a patient, I always walked away in mild pain. It’s only recently that I began to do something about it and raise the bed. When you are doing any work, and you bend over, the unnecessary strain is being placed on your back. In many examples the time is extensive, bending over is never simple, cleaning a patient you are more than likely pulling or pushing adding to the back strain. Raising the bed will decrease the angle in which you have to bend over and therefore apply less tension. In the short term, this will eliminate mild back sore and severe back pain in the long run.
#2 Don’t lift with your back
Your shift will force you, other nurses, and the technician to lift. Boosting a patient up in bed or just picking up a box in the supply closest, same rules apply when it comes to your back. You want your legs at shoulder length, this gives you a more extensive base and better foundation. Keep your back straight, you want to limit your bending particularly when you are also applying force. By maintaining a straight back, you will also be less inclined to lift with your back, the lifting should be done by your legs. Another essential point to remember when lifting, never twist. When twisting with added force, you will be more prone to pulling a muscle and causing an injury. If you must turn, pivot your entire body.
#3 Yoga and Exercise
Your back includes many muscle groups. Just like any other type of muscle they need to be worked and stretched. Light exercise to keep strength in these muscles will help to decrease strain and injury. Yoga is great to add to a daily regimen or a few times a week. Performing the proper moves will stretch and strengthen your back muscles.
In a lifetime you only get one back. Chronic back pain will detract you from taking part in activities and reduce life quality. Take care of your back, and your back will take care of you.