September is Pain Awareness Month
This month provides us with an opportunity to address the needs of the millions of people with chronic pain, including learning how to prevent and treat it.
Nurses are at an increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders that may result in chronic pain. This is from repeated sprains/strains, and symptoms may not come out for years. All organizations have policies about 'no lift' and manual handling as well as procedures, guidelines and training for staff, but the nature of nursing and midwifery work sometimes leads to manual handling injuries that may result in chronic pain. One of the most common health problems for nurses and midwives is back injury. Chronic lower back pain can lead to physical and emotional problems, decreased quality of life, and impact on the ability to complete daily activities.
Types of
chronic pain include back, headache, joint, and nerve pain. Diseases, such as fibromyalgia and depression, also cause chronic pain. Below are Somatic Functional Therapy exercises and stretches to relieve chronic pain.