Kay, you must be the only one. Just kidding. Sometimes I think I am as strong as I was when I was 20. At least now I do not have to push those heavy med carts around. I still move fast and still leave younger nurses behind me when I take off down the hall. But, My feet, shoulders and back do ache. I just found a massage school. I quit smoking so I am going to take the old cig money and go get a massage every two weeks. Check out the massage schools. Not as smelly as Ben Gay.

Kay, I found green alcehol bathes help a lot plus keep down infection.Also, episom salt bathes and stress reliever bathes.A few candles,aleeve and ben-gay have been my best friends over the years.

I bought a pair of MBT shoes and let me tell you my calves are rock hard. My legs and buttocks are excersised continuously t/o the day. I don't feel the pain in my LE any more.
http://www.walkerswarehouse.com/mbt-shoes-video/mbt-shoes.asp

Kimberly, these things carry such a good warrenty, I am amazed they make any money off them. I have been wearing the same pair for 2 years now. I love them, yes they are unusual looking and yes they add 2 inches to your height. The benifit is that they make you stand straighter, you are more balanced and when it comes to running to a room, greased lightinng is slow in comparrison. They are pricey, but more than well worth the cost.

ljr3418: I'd like to know more about those MBTs

SHOES! have made the most difference to me.. I'm in Australia so can't quote you the relevant type to buy overseas.. my shoes were nearly $200 and well worth every penny, with the finest sturdy leather, support arches and I also have specially picked for me orthotic insoles supporting my weak old knees ! I'm in my ealry 40's and really do not have the same stamina I used to! I bought these shoes a few months ago and I have noticed the biggest difference in my day.. I bounce all over the ward. I also make a point of being careful with my back... old duckie that I am .. hee hee

swaller, laughter is the best medicine, to be taken prn q 15minutes.

cdnurse: let me know what you find out about those MBTs. I'm very curious about them.

swaller typo typo I plead just plain ................okay stupidity.

I like "I finally get my head together, and now my body falls apart!"

Howabout...now I know all the answers but nobody cares.   

I have had chronic back pain for five years due to a bad car accident in 2003.  I am 26 years old and starting my second degree in Nursing this fall. I would like to start going to physical therapy /spas and get massages.  Tyenlol helps me also.  I have also started strength training to increase the muscle tone in my mid section to help with the pain.  I am also thinking about doing Yoga again.  It is really helpful and relaxing.  Another treatment for pain could be to soak in a warm bath with Epsom salt, it is suppose to be helpful.

Martini,

check out the adult schools, or city colleges. 

What's all this talk about dragging med carts around! Have you never heard of the pyxis machine. Any to answer the question of aches and pains. I just go home and get in bed and order my kids around, when I don't feel like going to the mall. Cheers.

yoga, water!, acceptance, be cautious with your body (thank it for still doing all it does), and keep pain reliever of choice in your locker!

(I'm still in nursing SCHOOL, but worked long shifts for years on my feet as a vet tech.)