As many already know, nursing, as a profession, is rewarding and meaningful. However, it can also be physically demanding. It requires standing on one’s feet for extended periods, lifting and repositioning patients, and doing repetitive tasks that can put a strain on one’s body. Because of the physical demands of the job, nurses are at an increased risk of developing lower back pain (LBP) and musculoskeletal disorders, which can make their already crucial work even more challenging.
Given the high rates of low back pain and injury among nurses, prioritizing injury prevention is crucial for safeguarding their health and ensuring career longevity. When nurses are healthy, safe, and pain-free, the likelihood of developing chronic pain, burnout, and absenteeism drastically decreases, which benefits healthcare organizations and the patients in need of excellent care and assistance.
By adopting evidence-based patient handling techniques and promoting a culture of safety, healthcare institutions can help nurses enjoy longer, healthier, and more sustainable careers. In this article, we discuss how low back pain affects nurses, organizations, and patients, as well as nurse back injury prevention tactics in 2026.
The Real Cost of Manual Lifting in 2026
Low back pain is so prevalent worldwide that it’s the single leading cause of disability around the world. Healthcare professionals, specifically those who provide bedside care, such as nurses, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), are at risk of developing low back pain at work. LBP can negatively impact the way they perform their tasks at work and push them to leave the profession. A survey of more than 40,000 nurses across five countries found that 39% were considering leaving the profession due to the physical demands of nursing.
LBP is not just for experienced nurses. Even nursing students face these risks early in their careers, which shows just how the physical challenges begin from training and persist throughout their professional lives. In one study, LBP increased from 40.7% before nursing school to 75.3% during clinical training, with pain intensity increasing due to lifting, walking, sitting, and standing during training sessions.
LBP can lead to occupational injuries, and the cost of nurse back injury claims vs. ceiling lifts or other assistive devices can be colossal. The average back injury-related Workers’ compensation claim can range from US$20,000 to US$25,000. Another study found that the annual cost of claims from nurses and nursing aides reached up to US$5 million.
Evidence-Based Patient Handling and Training Techniques for Nurses
The use of assistive devices
Assistive devices, including lifts, hoists, transfer belts, and sliding boards, allow healthcare staff to perform lifting tasks safely and efficiently. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the effective and regular use of lifting devices has been shown to effectively reduce the risk of injury from patient handling.
These devices also help drive retention, which is a major challenge in healthcare facilities all over the country. When nurses have access to assistive devices, they tend to stay working at a facility longer than those who don’t have access to them.
Nurses should note these important guidelines for using assistive devices:
- Receive appropriate training and approval before operating any device.
- Check each device to ensure it is clean and functioning properly.
- Confirm that the chosen device matches the patient’s weight, condition, and specific movement needs.
- At least two healthcare professionals should be available when a person is moved using assistive devices.
Apply proper lifting techniques
Healthcare workers should use proper lifting techniques to prevent injuries when moving patients, such as:
- Standing with feet shoulder-width apart, one foot ahead.
- Squatting by bending both hips and knees.
- Keeping your back straight, chest out, shoulders back, and looking forward.
- Lifting slowly without twisting; keeping hips and knees straight.
- Taking small steps and turning with your hips while keeping your shoulders aligned.
- Lowering the load by squatting with knees and hips, avoiding the use of your back.
By consistently supporting your back, adopting proper lifting techniques, and using assistive devices during patient transfers, you’re able to safeguard your own health and also promote a culture of patient safety.
