I spoke about the importance of patient safety during turning, repositioning and transferring out of a bed or chair. As well, I did mention that you need to be careful and always use the proper body mechanics for yourself so you do not injure your own body. We must use the proper body mechanics so that we may use our body in an efficient and careful way as to keep good posture, balance and use the largest muscles to help with the heaviest work of lifting. I definitely know it is easier said than done, but it is possible if you just take those extra few minutes to position and realign and prevent injury. The most common complaints of injury occur to the neck, back and shoulder areas. They are known as musculoskeletal injuries. Some of the injuries that may occur are disorders of muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, joints, bones and even the circulatory system. I have worked with many different size patients and it is quite possible to injure and strain yourself and not even realize it. The patient size means nothing. You can get hurt with the littlest, smallest person. It all is in how you stand and move. Patients are weak and unable to always carry their own weight for movement so you never move anyone by yourself if they cannot help you at all.
Body mechanics we do all day long in every movement we make throughout our daily activities. From the moment we wake up and get out of bed and take those first morning steps our bodies are on the go. There have been times I just turned to get out of bed and overstretched a muscle in my back. When bending down to pick something off the ground I am at fault when I bend at the waist, not the knees and hurt my lower back. But when you have bad knees to begin with it is tough to keep bending at the knee. We maintain our posture, balance and movements with a coordinated workforce of our nervous system and musculoskeletal system. By keeping proper body mechanics, we are maintaining physical health and preventing any injuries. We must understand the principles of posture, alignment and movement allowing our tasks and causing minimal risks to the body. By keeping up with effective body mechanics we learn the correct ways to sit, stand, lift and carry objects. When in the course you will learn the proper way to lift and turn your patients with the least strain on your bodies. Never do anything on your own if it will cause harm to you or the patient. If you do happen to get hurt on the job while taking care of your patient/resident you must fill out the incident reports and keep a record of it. This is in case you become in worse pain or other difficulty.
When I was working with my patients I was taught to lift objects or patients with the 5 L rule. It is to help you with the way you lift objects at home or work.
L-1 is Load – The first thing you need to consider when lifting any object. Size and weight. Can you lift this safely? Will you need help to do so? Are there any mechanical assist devices that can help with the lifting? Before any lifting be sure you assess the situation before doing the job.
L-2 is Leverage – The further away from your body an object is when you are lifting it is the greater force and stress that it places on your back. Get as close to the object as you can for lifting, carrying and moving. You have all done this probably a thousand times and never thought of the process. This gives you a better mechanical advantage as well as improves your leverage.
L-3 is Lordosis – This is the natural inward curve of your lower back. When anyone bends forward the natural curve is flattened. The third thing you must consider is to maintain the natural curve by keeping your back in an upright position and not bend forward too much. This helps your low back muscles to act more efficiently and stabilize the back.
L-4 is Legs – This fourth rule is for you to think how you will use your legs. The large muscles of your legs or the quadriceps femoris should do the most of your lifting and moving while you keep your back in an upright position. You may have to strengthen your leg muscles in order to decrease the load that you are placing on your back. Using your legs is definitely more efficient and safer and places less strain on your back.
L-5 are Lungs – Knowing how to breathe while lifting and moving is very important. Holding your breath while you are lifting heavy objects can be very dangerous, putting a great strain on your heart as well as your back. Best practice is to take a deep breath before lifting and purse lip exhaling slowly while lifting.
Wherever you are, whether it is working, at home with children or parents or even shopping, be mindful to your body and take care of it for the long haul of life. When working, try to use support hose to help with circulation and wear proper nursing shoes that give the best support to your feet and back. You will thank me in the long run. Stay safe and healthy so you can continue giving care to those in need.
