Back Pain in Nurses

Nurses and back pain are the subjects of this study. The authors followed 174 female nurses from the time they entered nursing school until five years into their nursing careers. Episodes of back pain were recorded and monitored.

Here’s what they found:

  • At least half the nursing students had back pain by the end of the
    first year in school; this was before the students had patient contact

  • Nurses who had back pain in school were more likely to have back pain
    during their nursing years

  • Back pain with leg pain (sciatica) was linked with lifting, twisting,
    and bent postures

  • Actual injuries only accounted for a small number of nurses’ back pain

    The authors conclude it may be possible to predict which nurses will develop back pain during their early years of nursing. It seems that pain and symptoms are already present and get triggered or made worse during school/work.