Hospital Orientation
Care of the Neck and Back
Welcome
• Directly involved in patient
care? Desk job? Other?
• Posture and Body Mechanics
learned today are not only to use
on the job- incorporate them into
your everyday activities
• One body and you have to take
care of it!
Anatomy
• 33 vertebrae
– 7 cervical
– 12 thoracic
– 5 lumbar
– 5 fused sacrum
– 4 fused tailbone
– Top 24 separated by a
disc
Anatomy
• Disc
– Jelly material surrounded by
elastic rings.
– The discs sit close to the nerves
that exit your spinal cord.
– Repetitive poor posture and
improper lifting causes stress on
disc.
Anatomy
•
•
•
Natural curves in back
Head – How heavy?
12 # bowling ball with small contact
area with vertebrae.
• What holds your head in place?
• Muscles, tendons, ligaments
• Proper head position means your
head is balanced on your neck so
your muscles can relax.
Sitting Posture
• Feet on floor, 90° bend at ankles, knees,
hips. Change height of chair or get foot
support if your legs dangle.
• Lumbar support – supports good posture.
Sitting Posture
• Computer Station
Sitting Posture
•
•
•
Avoid sitting for long periods.
Take a stretch break every hour.
Posture breaks:
– Shoulder retraction
– Shoulder rolls
– Check head position often
Standing Posture
• Maintain a lumbar
curve and good
head position
• Place your foot on
step stool, box,
cabinet, etc. to
relieve your back.
Sleeping Posture
• A good night’s sleep is important
for safety, productivity, and
healing.
• What is your preferred sleeping
position? supine, side, prone
Sleeping Posture
Side sleeper –
• Pillow(s)
between
knees
• Pillow to
support upper
arm
• Body pillow
Sleeping Posture
Supine (on your
back)
• Use a small
pillow under
your head
• Place a pillow
under your
knees to flatten
your back.
Sleeping Posture
Prone or on your stomach
• This position can be very stressful
for your neck and back.
• Eliminate your pillow for your head.
• Put a pillow under your stomach or
bring one leg up to flatten the arch
in your back.
Lifting
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Test the load
Think before you lift
Move obstacles out of the way
Keep your back in a natural curve
Use a wide base of support
Hold objects close to you
Tighten stomach muscles
Lift with your legs
Lifting (cont.)
•
•
•
Breathe out as you lift
Do not twist when carrying
Maintain good communication if
working with a team
• Push rather than pull
• Eliminate repetitive lifting
• Practice lifting box
Transfers
• Chair to wheelchair
–
–
–
–
Lock wheelchair
Safety belt
Move toward the stronger side
Don’t pull on the patients’ arms
• Bed to Stretcher
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–
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4 people
Both surfaces at the same height
Orange plastic sliding bags
Plastic sliding boards (patient shifter)
Move on 3
Transfers using
Easy Way Smart Stand
Taking Care of Self
• Core strengthening
- Abdominals
- Back
• Hamstring stretch
• Aerobic activity
- Walk, stairs, biking, swimming,
etc.
Questions?
Contact Susan Aagenas, PT
Thank you!