I cant stand for longer than 4hrs!

[Agraphia]

My lower back kills me after standing for 4 straight hrs. I feel a stretching feeling across my lower back. Im in 5th semester at an outpatient clinic. I know 4hrs is NOTHING! clinical rotations students probably stand for 12-16 straight and residents maybe 36 hrs straight. Whats the deal? Is this normal and just takes some getting used to? Did you guys have any problems at the start of your rotations? Are there certain exercises that I can do? stretching in the morning doesnt really help. I just dont understand how someone could stand for 12-16 hrs straight, especially 36 hrs. Cool, thanks

[FOID]

sorry to hear that but just gotta get use to it. it's harder on surgery rotation b/c you might have to stand there in one spot. and also, if you have a long surgery, you can end up standing there for 5+ hours...

[Kronos]

i doubt you will have to stand for 12 hours *straight*, you can always find a few moments or minutes to sit down in most rotations. surgery, i have to agree, could be a prob for you - especially in some long surgeries if you are assisting you will have to stand in one spot for up to 5-6 hours, holding absolutely still while the butcher does his work. its not fun for even people without back problems... unless you want to be a surgeon

[Agraphia]

so you guys dont have any pain after standing for a couple of hrs? well this sucks

[AUCMD2006]

i doubt you will have to stand for 12 hours *straight*, you can always find a few moments or minutes to sit down in most rotations. surgery, i have to agree, could be a prob for you - especially in some long surgeries if you are assisting you will have to stand in one spot for up to 5-6 hours, holding absolutely still while the butcher does his work. its not fun for even people without back problems... unless you want to be a surgeon


butcher? i resent that remark..hehe and all surgery is fun..time goes by fast when you are doing stuff.

to agraphia,
if you are a girl try leaving the heels at home. either way a set of really good shoes goes a long way, also put some heel inserts in there it helps a lot. and the simplest thing is posture, if you stand there for 4hrs hunched down you will hurt.

what helops:

if i have a long surgery i use a heat wrap, its the one that is in the orange pack...the store brand sucks so get the regular one. it really helps.

[Agraphia]

ok cool, im going to try the heat pad. Thanks

[rokshana]

danskos....get some.

[nhsadika]

Consider getting Orthotics. Biomechanically if you have the wrong alignment you can put pressure on your knee and hip...I'm not saying you need orthotics but you may consider it - and for the length of time you're on your feet good shoes would be essential.

[jbdoc12]

My lower back kills me after standing for 4 straight hrs. I feel a stretching feeling across my lower back. Im in 5th semester at an outpatient clinic. I know 4hrs is NOTHING! clinical rotations students probably stand for 12-16 straight and residents maybe 36 hrs straight. Whats the deal? Is this normal and just takes some getting used to? Did you guys have any problems at the start of your rotations? Are there certain exercises that I can do? stretching in the morning doesnt really help. I just dont understand how someone could stand for 12-16 hrs straight, especially 36 hrs. Cool, thanks

I am a first year Med Student but previously was a RN in the Operating Room for a little over 11 years. There is an art to standing in one spot for many hours and trust me any nurse that scrubs can tell you when you are on call you can be standing for at least 16 hours. First, you need comfortable shoes. This varies from person to person and I have found that "clogs" have worked the best for me. There are many out there and you will have to find yourself a pair that are comfortable. I personally have a pair of birkenstocks as well as the Dansko's and they have been very helpful. You can also learn hope to use a step stool to rest on leg at a time or even shift your weight on your hips. Getting plenty of exercise via stairs or gym (after hours) will help. You can also do some stretching between cases and stretch that all important piriformis muscle.
jbdoc12