Body Mechanics and Back Pain Presented by: APS Healthcare Southwestern PA Health Care Quality Unit (APS HCQU) August 2015 cjp Disclaimer Information or education provided by the HCQU is not intended to replace medical advice from the consumer s personal care physician, existing facility policy, or federal, state, and local regulations/codes within the agency jurisdiction. The information provided is not all inclusive of the topic presented. Certificates for training hours will only be awarded to those attending the training in its entirety. Attendees are responsible for submitting paperwork to their respective agencies. 2 1
Objectives Recognize proper body mechanics techniques Identify risk factors related to back injury Recall methods for assisting individuals with I/DD to prevent back pain and injury 3 Body Mechanics Mechanics: a science that deals with physical energy and forces and their effect on objects (Merriam Webster Dictionary, n.d.) Body mechanics: a science that deals with the posture and movement of the body 4 2
Anatomy of the Back Spinal column Vertebrae Discs Facet Joints Ligaments Tendons Spinal Cord Nerves 5 Functions of the Spine Structure Mobility Protection Production Storage 6 3
Proper Body Mechanics Promotes natural movement Reduces risk of back injury and pain Reduces risk of injury to others Enables individuals to participate 7 Body Mechanics: Posture STANDING Shoulders back and level Feet apart Body aligned Shift weight periodically SITTING Head straight Knees and hips level Change position frequently Support natural curve 8 4
Body Mechanics: Lifting Consider weight and size of item to be lifted If permitted, use assistive device designed for lifting Use teamwork Explain the plan 9 Body Mechanics: Lifting (continued) Stand with feet shoulder width apart, directly facing item Keep item close to body Bend at knees and hips, not at waist Lift using leg, abdominal, and buttocks muscles 10 5
Body Mechanics: Pulling / Pushing Requires less effort than lifting Keep item as close as possible Keep work at waist level Keep knees bent and feet apart Stand straight 11 Body Mechanics: Positioning Explain the plan to the individual Lower/raise bed to waist level, when possible If permitted, use assistive device designed for positioning Move the individual to far side of bed Be observant of individual s head and extremities Place hands on individual s shoulder and hip Gently roll individual over Assist the individual to get comfortable 12 6
Body Mechanics: Transfer Explain the plan to individual Request assistance, if needed Plan the move If permitted, use assistive devices designed for lifting and transferring Help individual swivel and sit on side of bed Synchronize movement Pivot individual to new location Assist individual to get comfortable 13 Body Mechanics: Vehicle Transfer Explain the plan to the individual Position one caregiver inside the vehicle and one outside If permitted, use assistive devices designed for lifting and transferring Stand close to individual Use proper lifting techniques Be observant of individual s head and extremities 14 7
Body Mechanics: Additional Tips Think safety Take time to think and plan Warm up muscles Be sure work area floor is dry and uncluttered Be aware of medical equipment 15 Body Mechanics: Additional Tips (continued) Maintain good grip Minimize travel distance Avoid jerking motions Avoid over reaching Alternate heavy and lighter tasks; rest between tasks If permitted, use equipment designed to assist with lifting or moving Encourage others to use proper body mechanics techniques 16 8
Back Pain Mechanical back pain Compressive back pain 17 Back Pain: Treatment Conservative (non surgical) treatments Rest Medication (as directed by physician only) Physical therapy Surgical treatment 18 9
Back Pain: Non modifiable Risk Factors Age Gender Family history Compression fractures Pregnancy 19 Back Pain: Modifiable Risk Factors RICK FACTORS FOR BACK INJURY AND PAIN Inadequate physical activity Excessive weight Prolonged sitting/standing Poor body mechanics Smoking Stress Depression Chronic coughing Long term steroid usage Improper footwear 20 10
Back Pain and Injury: Prevention Exercise regularly Maintain proper body weight Avoid prolonged standing/sitting Practice proper body mechanics techniques Do not smoke Relax Seek medical treatment for chronic cough Avoid steroid use Wear proper footwear 21 Supporting Individuals with I/DD Observe for verbal and non verbal signs of pain Encourage regular physical activity/exercise Encourage healthy nutrition Practice proper body mechanics techniques Provide gentle reminders about posture and opportunities to change positions 22 11
Supporting Individuals with I/DD (continued) Offer information on smoking cessation Help identify and minimize sources of stress Monitor for signs of depression Monitor for coughing Be aware of conditions and medications that affect bones Encourage proper footwear 23 Concluding Thoughts Think before you move. Use everyday tasks as opportunities to model proper body mechanics techniques. Work as a team. 24 12
Suggested Trainings Exercises for the Mind and Body Fall Prevention 25 References Kalnitsky, MA, A. (2014, February 18). Align Your Spine for Better Body Mechanics. Retrieved February 24, 2015, from http://www.spineuniverse.com/wellness/ergonomics/align your spine betterbody mechanics Back pain. (n.d.). Retrieved February 24, 2015, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases conditions/back pain/basics/definition/con 20020797 Anatomy of the Spine. (n.d.). Retrieved February 24, 2015, from http://www.scoi.com/specialties/anatomy spine Boden, MD, S. (2013, May 3). When Back Pain is a Spine Compression Fracture. Retrieved February 24, 2015, from http://www.spinehealth.com./conditions/osteoporosis/when back pain a spine compressionfracture Garfin, S., & Subach, B. (n.d.). Use Good Body Mechanics to Help Keep Your Spine Safe. Retrieved February 24, 2015, from http://www.spineuniverse.com/anatomy/use good body mechanics help keepyour spine safe 26 13
References Masterson, BA, BSN, MSN, RN, PhD, M. (2011, October). Understanding pain in patients with intellectual disabilities American Nurse Today (Vol. 6 No. 10). Retrieved February 24, 2015, from http://www.americannursetoday.com/understanding pain in patients withintellectual disabilities/ Back pain: Posture Check: Do You Stand Up Straight? (2012, July 17). Retrieved February 24, 2015, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases conditions/backpain/in depth/health tip/art 20049053 Shaw, G. (2011). Back Pain Medications. Retrieved February 24, 2015, from http://www.webmd.com/back pain/living with low back pain 11/medication?page=1 Deardorff, PhD, ABPP, W. (2004, October 15). Depression and Chronic Back Pain. Retrieved February 24, 2015, from http://www.spinehealth.com/conditions/depression/depression and chronic back pain 27 To register for future trainings, or for more information on this or any other physical or behavioral health topic, please visit our website at www.hcqu.apshealthcare.com 28 14
29 Evaluation Please take a few moments to complete the evaluation form found in the back of your packets. Thank You! 30 15
Test Review There will be a test review after all tests have been completed and turned in to the Instructor. 31 16