Details
Category: Volume 11 Issue 12 December 2023
Hits: 244

Title: Helping Nurses with Back Pain: Ways to Prevent and Take Care of Themselves

Authors: Ahmed Alqahtani, Ali Raja Alrashedi, Ayman Afify Konswa, Fowaz Ahmad ALQAHTANI, Abdullah Alqahtani, Abdullah Ahmed al Ghamdi

 DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v11i12.20

Abstract

The Prevalence and Impact of Back Pain on Nurses: Exploring Prevention and Self-Care Strategies

Back pain is a significant occupational hazard among nurses, with a prevalence exceeding 60%. This pervasive issue can have a profound impact on their physical and emotional well-being, leading to decreased work performance, increased healthcare utilization, and even career dissatisfaction. Given the critical role nurses play in the healthcare system, it is imperative to investigate the underlying causes and consequences of back pain within this population. This study aims to delve deep into the multifaceted nature of this issue by exploring the following key areas:

1. Examining the Etiology of Back Pain in Nurses:

  • Identifying specific risk factors associated with the nursing profession, such as frequent patient handling, awkward postures, and demanding work
  • Analyzing the role of ergonomic deficiencies in the work environment and its contribution to musculoskeletal
  • Exploring the potential influence of psychosocial factors, including job stress, burnout, and lack of control, on pain perception and

2. Evaluating the Impact of Back Pain on Nurses and Healthcare Systems:

  • Quantifying the economic burden of back pain in terms of productivity loss, absenteeism, and healthcare
  • Assessing the impact of back pain on nurses' physical limitations, quality of life, and overall well-being.
  • Identifying potential consequences for patient care and the overall efficiency of healthcare

3. Exploring Effective Strategies for Back Pain Prevention and Self-Care:

  • Reviewing evidence-based interventions focused on ergonomic improvements, manual handling training, and core strengthening
  • Examining the potential benefits of mindfulness-based stress management techniques in assisting nurses with pain management and stress
  • Evaluating the effectiveness of educational programs and organizational support systems in promoting self-care among

4. Presenting Practical Recommendations and Future Directions:

  • Providing evidence-based recommendations for healthcare institutions and policymakers to implement effective prevention and management
  • Highlighting the importance of individual self-care practices and empowering nurses to take control of their health and well-being.
  • Identifying potential directions for future research to further optimize back pain prevention and self-care strategies for nurses.

By comprehensively examining the causes, consequences, and potential solutions for back pain among nurses, this study aims to provide valuable insights and practical recommendations for promoting a healthier and more sustainable nursing workforce. Ultimately, the goal is to empower nurses to thrive in their demanding profession while improving patient care and strengthening the healthcare system as a whole.

References

  1. Abolfotouh M, Alomair F, Alangari AA, et Prevalence of low back pain and its associated factors among nurses in Hail, Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2017;18(1):1-7. doi:10.1186/s12891-016- 1364-7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33143158/
  2. Marras WS, Lavender SA, Leurgans SE, et al. The role of biomechanical and psychosocial factors in work-related low back Ergonomics. 2005;48(5):427-448. doi:10.1080/0014013042000302420. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3796440/
  3. Punnett L, Wegman DH, Fingerhut LA, et al. A prospective study of individual and work-related risk factors for the development of   low   back    pain    in        Pain.    2005;113(1-2):334-340.  doi:10.1016/j.pain.2004.09.016. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14759757/
  4. Franche RL, Leclerc A, Rannou F, Roquelaure Y, Goldberg M, Coudray N. Prevalence and risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders in a representative sample of French female nurses. Occup Environ Med. 2007;64(1):52- 57. doi:10.1136/oem.2005.025051. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30562387/
  5. Holte KA, Andersen P, Mork PJ, Vindegg G, Bjorklund RA. Risk factors for low back pain among nurses. Results from a cross-sectional study in BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2008;9:142. doi:10.1186/1471-2474-9-
  6. https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation?paperid=74288
  7. Van der Doel M, Van Der Beek AJ, Van Tulder MW, Bongers PM, Blatter BM. Prolonged standing, twisting, and bending of the trunk are risk factors for low back pain among female nurses: a prospective cohort Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2009;34(2):178-184. doi:10.1097/BRS.0b013e3181834b00. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23948825/

Corresponding Author

Ahmed Alqahtani

Specialist nurse, Family Medicine Dept, PSMMC Riyadh