Back pain when leaning over table?

[naus]

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I generally experience no discomfort standing up straight for hours at a time, but my lower to mid back starts acting up within minutes when I'm leaning over a table peering into an operation. Anyone else have this problem?

It's almost like my core muscles are weak, and my back is giving way when I'm hunched like that. What can I do in terms of exercise? abs? rowing?

I feel like a creaky old man during an operation and I like to think of myself as fairly fit and active. I don't know how the surgeons in their 60s do it.

 

[SLUser11]

I generally experience no discomfort standing up straight for hours at a time, but my lower to mid back starts acting up within minutes when I'm leaning over a table peering into an operation. Anyone else have this problem?

It's almost like my core muscles are weak, and my back is giving way when I'm hunched like that. What can I do in terms of exercise? abs? rowing?

I feel like a creaky old man during an operation and I like to think of myself as fairly fit and active. I don't know how the surgeons in their 60s do it.

Proper ergonomic technique is extremely important for people in surgical fields, and you should start practicing good behavior now while you are still learning/forming your technique.

A large number of those surgeons in their 60s suffer from chronic back pain. Others have just adjusted over time.

My suggestion would be to wear proper shoes in the OR, and position your body at the appropriate table height (can be hard for a student). Some of the old textbooks, like maybe Chassin's operative strategy, actually go through simple posture and body angles, which you should read.

As far as exercise goes, lots of core stuff helps, such as sit-ups and high-rep-low-weight back raises/extensions. Also be sure to not get too top heavy.

Just to reiterate it one more time, ergonomics is the key to a long healthy career.

 

[Buzz Me]

I generally experience no discomfort standing up straight for hours at a time, but my lower to mid back starts acting up within minutes when I'm leaning over a table peering into an operation. Anyone else have this problem?

A common mistake many med students make during cases (or bedside procedures) is that they hunch over and get their faces down close to the incision (presumably to see better). You'll see that residents have to make a conscious effort to stand up straight.

Regular exercise and muscle strengthening will not only hope your posture but will also be of benefit should you continue to pursue Ortho.