Abstract This is a community health related assessment concerning the issue of low backpain among nurses. After a review of the prevalence of the disorder, the paper includes a comprehensive assessment examining biophysical, psychological, physical, socio-cultural, behavioral and healthcare system implications related to the problem. A critical analysis and community nursing diagnosis is also provided.
From the Paper "According to the US Department of Health (Brown, 2003) every day approximately 9,000 healthcare workers become disabled through injury on the job. Worker's compensation claims for healthcare workers related to back injuries are approximately $1.7 billion (Goldsmith, 2001) based on an injury frequency of 1 in 10 work related back injuries ending up with an injured nurse. According to Hedge (n.d.), the rate of injury to nurses is approximately twice that for all industries combined. Approximately 12% of nurses leave the profession each year due to back pain and back related injuries (ANA President Barbara Blakeney, 2004 as cited in "ANA Launches," 2004)."
Abstract In this article, the writer explains that chronic non-specific low backpain is defined as backpain that continues for more than 12 weeks often without a specific source or triggering factor. The writer notes that at present, chronic low backpain is considered by doctors to be the most expensive benign disease in industrialized countries because it significantly limits the number of physical and non-physical activities that a person might do. The writer points out that due to the rising cost to the economy because of backpain, it becomes very important to find cheaper alternative treatments and management strategies to prevent it from occurring and to lessen the pain associated with it. The writer concentrates on Pilates exercises. The writer concludes that Pilates exercises not only focus on the core muscles associated with low backpain, but have confirmed pain management effects.
Outline:
Introduction
Using Pilates to Improve Chronic Non-Specific Low BackPain Results of the Pilates Intervention Program
Conclusion
From the Paper "One of the cheaper alternative treatments that have been found for chronic non-specific low back pain is exercise therapy. Exercise therapy for back pain focuses on the key areas of the back so that the person suffering from it can slowly become more confident to use their spine and become less afraid of the physical pain associated with using it. As exercise therapy progresses, the back muscles are strengthened and the individual will experience less pain with physical activity. Exercise therapy is also cheaper than traditional physiotherapy since it can be performed in groups with only a single instructor while physiotherapy mandates expensive one-on-one session with a physical therapist."
Abstract This paper briefly provides a review of lower backpain, from a review of the main types of lower backpain to their causes. It explains that this is a very treatable condition and suggests methods for prevention and cure.
From the Paper "Many adults suffer from lower back pain, and indeed back pain is one of the main reasons for patients seeking treatment from their family doctor: it is estimated that lower back pain costs the US health care system $25 billion annually in diagnosis and treatment (Bratton, 1999). The effective diagnosis and early treatment of lower back pain is therefore desirable (Bratton, 1999)."
Abstract This paper provides a critical review of the literature, a series of case studies and illustrative vignettes to provide a history of acupuncture. It discusses its typical applications and methods and how the techniques developed by Master Tung have been refined and improved by his followers over the years. The paper provides a summary of the research, salient findings and recommendations.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of Study
Importance of Study
Rationale of Study
Overview of Study
Preliminary Review of Related Literature
A Brief History of Acupuncture
Master Tung's Acupuncture
Modern Applications of Acupuncture
Constraints to Acupuncture
From the Paper "While the application of acupuncture techniques has proven efficacious for a wide range of conditions, including chronic back pain, there are some constraints involved in its use with some people who appear to be genetically incapable of benefiting from the practice. For example, scientists have determined that certain strains of mice do not appear to respond to the pain management potential of acupuncture because they lack the necessary genetic opiate receptors. In this regard, Cargill (1994) reports that, "Some people who do not respond to needling--a 10 percent minority--may fail to do so because they, too, genetically lack these requisite neural receptors" (p. 41). Other people, particularly in the West, may simply believe that such complementary and alternative medical approaches will not work for them, thereby creating a self-fulfilling prophecy as to the efficacy of the approach. Despite these constraints, though, it appears that the benefits of properly administered acupuncture techniques far outweigh any potential constraints, and this forms the essence of the purpose of the proposed instant study."
Tags: chronic pain, therapy anatomy, alternative medicine
Abstract The paper discusses the lower back as an area of the body for which people seek pain treatment far more frequently than almost any other. The paper notes that chronic low backpain is a primary reason for individuals to seek and potentially become addicted to narcotic pain medication. Additionally, many individuals overuse over the counter analgesics and or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (often a cause of stomach problems or even vascular and cardiac damage). The paper discusses the use of BASI Pilates as a core muscle training program that can, when applied correctly, alleviate and even eliminate chronic lower backpain through training. This includes balance and the strengthening of abdominal and back muscles.
Outline:
Anatomical Description of Lower Back Introduction
Body
BASI Pilates Regiment (Abdomen and Lower Back)
Case Study
Conclusion
From the Paper "The lower back is the lay term usually given to the lumbar and sacrum portions of the spinal column and all the muscles and connective tissues that surround them. The spinal column is composed of 33 interlocking vertebrae and the sacrum, the lowers five vertebrates plus the scrum make up what is known as the lower back. This are of the back is frequently a source of pain as there are many stressors and or injuries/diseases that can effect it as well as the stressful posture of continual sitting or standing or lifting using back instead of leg muscles can create superficial strain or deep muscle strain on the area."
Abstract This paper describes the occupational hazards of being a paralegal, which include backpain, headaches, and disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome. The paper defines occupational hazards of computer dependent careers.
From the Paper "The definition of occupational hazard which is a term typically used in determining insurance premiums is any activity associated with a job that increases the likelihood of sickness injury or death. The physical demands of a paralegal's job are typically not life threatening and are likely limited to sitting for long periods of time and excessive computer use. Both of these strains can lead to back problems chronic headaches or conditions such as tendinitis or carpel-tunnel syndrome ..."
Abstract This study attempts to prove the hypothesis that the maintaining factor in many patients' idiopathic musculoskeletal pain (MSP) syndromes can be linked to an imbalance in the pelvic structures. The paper further attempts to determine whether poor physical therapeutic outcome measures could be directly related to this pelvic imbalance and what sort of treatment must be undertaken in order to improve therapeutic outcomes. The paper concludes that improved treatment outcomes for patients with MSP syndromes can best be achieved by providing global treatment through an integrated model that incorporates myofascial and joint manipulation and the establishment of optimal pelvic functional balance.
Table of Contents
Abbreviations
Introduction
Methods
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
From the Paper "Troyanovich states normal erect human posture under the control of static equilibrium, dictates a true vertical spine in the anterioposterior and lateral views. In the lateral view, normal posture is defined as balance about a coronal line of gravity line that passes through the external auditory meatus, a point just anterior to the acromioclavicular joint, while slightly posterior to the centre of the knee and through the lateral melleoli and talus of the ankle joints."
Abstract This paper first examines the improvement of pain management at WellStar Health System. The impact of the Joint Commission's standards on pain management is also explored. The paper also discusses tjr cultural factors that influence one's perception of pain, using Asians' reluctance to express pain in public as an example. The paper explores the topic of data collection to assess the quality of care in pain management. Lastly, this paper examines and describes the various assessment tools used for treatment of pain.
Table of Contents:
Data Collection: Pain Management
Process Improvement
Regulatory and Social Impact
- Agency Influence
- Social Influence
Data collection methods
Assessment Tools and Pain Management
Conclusion
References
Appendix A
From the Paper "The topic of pain management in the healthcare setting is an important one when placing patient care as the most important goal in hospital management. The importance of pain management has reached the attention of the Joint Commission, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and state regulatory agencies. Other community stakeholders have a stake in this topic due to its importance in healthcare. Pain management from a regulatory and social point of view as well as a process improvement plan follows in the discussion. The data collection methodologies concerning pain management issues and the tools for audit provide the matrix for evaluation and the need for amending the change initiatives."
Abstract This paper discusses pain mechanisms pertaining to dental pain. It focuses on the most recent and relevant advances in pain research, specifically the neuroanatomical, neurochemical and genetic aspects of pain modulation mechanisms. The N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor is used to illustrate the model's plasticity and the ways in which pain modulation works. This paper also discusses other mechanisms relevant to dental pain.
From the Paper "With the present volume of research that has accrued, pain control may have to veer away from the "killing two birds with one stone" approach that is still in use today. The mere number of modulating mechanisms at work at the genetic, intracellular and neuroanatomical level suggests a shift towards more individualized and effective pain treatment using these mechanisms is in order. Pain control generally attempts to inhibit the propagation of nerve impulses. The mechanisms are numerous, from directly or indirectly inhibiting the firing of neurons propagating pain impulses, stopping the inflammatory cascade at discrete steps in the process to disabling neurons from firing altogether. These include anesthetics, as well as analgesics such as the opioids, non-opioids, some antidepressants, anxiolytics, anticonvulsants, muscle relaxants among others (Dewar 343). The targets receptors of the opioid analgesics mainly lie along the periaqueductal grey and substantia gelatinosa."
Abstract This paper discusses the idea that the pain threshold is different for men than women, with the assumption being that women are better able to withstand pain then are man based primarily on the pain associated with childbirth. The paper further notes that some more recent research suggests that the situation may actually be reversed and that women may feel pain more acutely than do men, with research showing as well that women feel pain more often in the course of a lifetime, that they experience pain in more parts of the body, and that they may feel pain for a longer duration than do men.
Abstract This paper is a literature review of a quantitative research study based on pain assessment of neonates and the corresponding practice of documenting findings of the pain assessment. The author's beliefs and findings were consistent with other research in the area that while the belief is strong in the need to follow recommended assessments and use prescribed assessments tools, the practice of documenting assessment findings is inconsistent - in other words, pain assessments may take place, but little documentation exists.
From the Paper "Infants experience pain more acutely than do adults (Reyes, 2003). This is a concept that has radically changed since the time when the medical profession was of the belief that infants did not experience pain at all due to nerve fibers that were yet to develop myelinated sheaths. Also changing, has been technology and nursing practices related to neonatal pain assessment. This paper will analyze the October, 2003 article: Nursing Assessment of Pain, published in the Journal of Perinatal and Neonatal Nursing (Reyes, 2003). The analysis presentation will follow class report review guidelines, focusing on why this study is important to the field of nursing."
Abstract This paper discusses pain management, particularly in sickle cell disease. The paper describes the way that effective pain management can not only reduce physical discomfort, but also promote quality of life. The paper then describes the challenges of managing pain in sickle cell diseases, where the pain is chronic, however also has acute episodes.
From the Paper "Lived Experience of Sickle Cell Disease and Health Promotion Introduction Effective pain management not only reduces physical discomfort but also promotes quality of life. Nurses have the ethical and professional duty of managing pain and enhancing quality of life for their patients. However, with sickle cell disease, since chronic pain is combined with episodes of acute pain, pain management becomes a real challenge (Tanyi, 2003). The research question underlying this literature review is: how can a patient's pain be adequately managed and their quality of life improved during a hospital stay? The phenomenon of interest in this paper is pain management and how it is the key for improving quality of life."
Abstract The paper discusses the concept that pain ridden Americans are taking the idea of pain management into their own hands. More specifically, the paper discusses the movie "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" and hos the movie demonstrates that if the American legal system and physicians would provide better healthcare in the area of pain management, many people suffering from pain would not be abusing illegal drugs.
From the Paper "Terry Gilliam's movie "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" deals with this bioethical issue of how a war torn country was coping with its pain. Throughout the movie, the audience is constantly bombarded with images and scenes of war. Clips from newsreels of Vietnam show up on the television and background radio noise. While driving to Las Vegas, a woman on the radio speaks about soldier's dying from illegal drug overdose. The circus they attend while in Vegas is likened to "what the whole hip world would be doing on a Saturday night if the Nazis had won the war. This was the sixth Reich," (Gilliam 1998). On one scene, Dr. Gonzo screams out "I just got back from Vietnam," (Gilliam 1998) while throwing up outside of a car, antagonizing a couple next to them in a taxi. Due to lack of physician orientated help, many soldiers and Americans turned to illegal substances. Dr. Gonzo and Hunter S. Thompson view these illegal substances as their "medication." They medicate themselves throughout the movie to ease the pain cause by the war and of failing to obtain the American Dream, "Learn to enjoy loosing."
Abstract This graduate level nursing paper examines the concept of pain as it relates to the nursing profession. First, the paper explores the philosophical notion of pain as a basic concept. Next, the paper delineates the concept as it is applied to the nursing profession in general, and as it appears in nursing theory. Last, the paper summarizes the categories of pain.
From the Paper "The Mayo Clinic states that pain is an an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with the stimulation of specialized nerve endings that signal actual or potential tissue damage, or that ..."
Abstract This paper discusses what nursing related factors contribute to and impact on or affect pain management in the pediatric population. It discusses the nature of pain in this population group and the difficulty in treating it due to the fact that the child cannot communicate his/her pain to either parents or nurses. The paper suggests that a high level of competence is needed by nurses in this field.
From the Paper "Literature Review Introduction Achievement of effective pain management among the pediatric population can be virtually impossible because the child cannot communicate his/her pain to either parents or nurses (Polkki, 2003). A high level of competence will be required by nurses in this setting. The research question for this literature review is: what nursing related factors contribute to and impact on or affect pain management in the pediatric population? Polkki et al.'s (2003) research was directly concerning with factors that both promote and interfere with nurses using nonpharmacological methods of pain alleviation."
