Back Safety

Excerpt

Low back pain (LBP) is widely prevalent in the general population and is one of the main reasons individuals seek medical care . It is a leading cause of disability worldwide, placing a significant medical and economic burden on society . The lifetime prevalence of low back pain is approximately 70%, costing the US healthcare industry $87 billion annually . While LBP is an issue in the general population, the problem is even more among healthcare professionals and nurses. Nursing is an occupation most at risk from LBP, with rates exceeding heavy industry workforces . Furthermore, the lifetime prevalence of low back pain in nurses is higher than in the general population, with reports as high as 90% . Additionally, LBP recurrence rates in nurses exceed 70% . Lower back pain causes adverse effects on nurses, affecting their wellbeing, job satisfaction, and overall quality of life . Other detrimental effects include increased risk of chronicity, associated personal and economic costs, reduced workforce efficiency, increased work absence, and burnout . This high risk of LBP and associated adverse effects cause many nurses to consider leaving their job. In a 2001 survey, containing responses from over 40000 nurses from five different countries, 39% said they planned to leave their occupation within one year due to the physical challenges of the job .