The nursing profession is a job which requires a great deal of physical and emotional strength. Nurses often stand on their feet for an extended period of time and work long shifts, ranging from 4-16 hours at a time. Any profession that requires you to stand on your feet all day can suffer from tremendous discomfort and it takes a toll on the mind and body. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are among the most frequent occupational disorders among the nursing profession. Working overnight shifts and forcing your body to be out of the "normal" sleep/wake cycles can often make these disorders more intense.
A 2018 study followed 110 nurses working in a hospital setting to determine the type of physical and psychological toll that their profession was taking on them. With increased sick days called for musculoskeletal pains, it was found that 86.24% of those studied had pain and discomfort in their spine. Long periods of time on their feet, bending, pushing beds, lifting patients, among many other repetitive movements all made their pains worse during shift work. 42% of those studied reported residual fatigue each time at work. All 86.24% of those reporting back pain also reported that their pain contributed to decreased satisfaction and productivity with their job.
Nurses give so much of themselves while caring for others that they often are left feeling overwhelmed and stressed both physically and emotionally. It is of upmost importance that nurses take care of themselves so that they can continue to perform at a high level for many years in their demanding profession. Spinal health is crucial to these professionals so that they may continue doing what they love pain-free. We love to care for nurses in our office. Chiropractic adjustments can help relieve back and neck pain, and well has help their bodies recover faster from long shifts and overnight hours. Chiropractic care can also boost energy, reduce inflammation, restore sleep function, aid in cognitive clarity, and reduce stress and anxiety levels. My wife is a RN and so I know first-hand how demanding their profession is, and the toll it can take on the body. Have a nurse that you care about? Remind them to take time for themselves by getting their spine checked!
Dr. Nicholas J. Knutson, DC
Owner/Doctor
MOUNTAIN ISLAND CHIROPRACTIC
10917 Black Dog Ln., Suite 101
Charlotte, NC 28214
Tel (704) 394-8556
Fax (704) 395-8556
"If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that's a full day. That's a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you're going to have something special." JV
Dias da Silva, T.P., Navegantes de Araujo, W., Stival, M. M., Martins de Toledo., A., Burke, T. N., & Carregaro, R. L. (2018). Musculoskeletal discomfort, work ability, and fatigue in nursing professionals working in a hospital environment. Rev Esc Enferm USP, 52(e03332). 1-8. doi:10.1590/S1980-220X2017022903332
No comments:
Post a Comment