An Exercise Rehabilitative Solution to Work-Related Musculoskeletal Lower Back Pain among Nurses

Abstract

The attrition of professional nurses is a sad reality. Work-related musculoskeletal lower back pain (WRMLBP) among nurses has been cited as a factor of increased sick leave and poor health. Occupational predisposing factors of lower back pain are strenuous physical stresses of nursing, obesity and poor physical conditioning. Regular stretching and strengthening exercises dissipate lower back pain. This commentary’s objectives are to explain the association between obesity and lower back pain and the exercise mechanism that dissipates this pain, thereby concluding that nurses should consider regular exercise as a therapeutic option.