General Nursing©

BACK PROBLEMS

Back problems are among the leading problems of the elderly. However, these may also be the underlying problems of employees who are engaged in working with heavy and strenuous activities especially when not observing proper body mechanics. One concrete example of those who are engaged in heavy lifting activities are medical practitioners at ER/OR who usually do transporting of patients. Those involved in routine turning of patients every two hours like in ICU/CCU are also prone to acquiring back problems. On the other hand, people outside the health team such as mason, ground haulers, technicians or anyone who has insufficient knowledge on proper care of his/her back may suffer back problems in the future. Thus, a bit of the ideas I'm going to share, may warn and alarm you how to properly take care your back.

Specific Back Pain Problems

Degenerative changes (osteoarthritis)

Osteooarthritis also occurs in the joints of the spine and can be aggravated by collapse of spinal vertebrae (bones). In younger individuals, problems with herniated (ruptured) intervertebral disc are common, but by the age of 50 or 60, the disc itself becomes more scarred and fibrous and less prone to rupture. Assessment findings include early morning stiffness and pain made worse by sitting or standing. Walking usually brings some relief. Spinal stenosis is relieved most by lying down. Sciatic radiation may occur. Symptoms are increased by fatigue, obesity, and muscle tension.

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