But getting back to work and other activities may actually help you get better. This is because movement keeps your back flexible and the muscles strong, and staying in bed or avoiding activity for more than a day or two can actually make your pain worse.
Dealing with back pain
Sometimes the pain can make you miserable but you should still take control of the pain. In the early stages: avoid bed rest - prolonged bed rest is harmful. stay active (including work) - your back is designed for movement so the sooner you start doing your ordinary activities the better.
To minimize complications and prevent prolonged work loss, patients with low back pain should be encouraged to remain active and to support conservative care.
Most people recover from back pain and get back to work within 4 weeks. It is uncommon for workers to remain on sick leave for more than 6 months.
Report any pain or signs of back pain to your employer as soon as possible. If you are suffering from mild back pain, you can be off work for a week or two. If you are suffering from severe back pain, you can be off work for four weeks or more.
Bad back pain. __You may feel like a wimp calling in sick because your back hurts, but don't! Experts say sitting at a desk all day can actually aggravate your back and make the pain worse. Instead, after a mega back spasm, spend the day at home taking it easy.
Back pain is one of the biggest causes of work absences, accounting for more than 12 million days lost every year.
When you end up missing time from work due to a back injury, the chances of you being fired increase significantly. Depending on your exact situation, it may be unlawful under California law for your employer to fire you because a back injury affects your ability to perform your customary job duties.
If your symptoms don't go away after a week or two, you should see a doctor. Extreme pain. The severity of back pain can vary greatly, but if you experience sharp, shock-like pain that radiates from your lower back or neck, don't hesitate to talk to a doctor.
Avoid certain exercises. “When your back hurts, it's not the time to be doing sit-ups, leg lifts, toe touches, high impact exercises or weight-lifting,” says Dr. Kumaraswamy. “Certain sports like golf, racquet sports and running should also be avoided until your back returns to normal.”
If you suffer from back pain and it makes unable to work, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program.
The safe thing to do is never go back to work until your doctor says you can. This protects your health and your future in the workplace. It's encouraged to ask questions of your doctor and to expect them to give you timely information on your expected return to work if they can do so.
If you're injured on the job and can't work, you should be able to file for workers' compensation benefits. A successful claim will replace two-thirds of your wages plus pay for medical care and rehabilitation. If you lost the use of a part of your body, you might get payment, depending on which body part is injured.
Causes of back pain at work
lifting heavy or bulky loads. carrying loads awkwardly, possibly one-handed. pushing, pulling or dragging heavy loads. manual handling in awkward places, such as during delivery work.
Chronic back pain symptoms directly impact a person's ability to work. The pain is often intense, and rest is necessary to relieve symptoms. Moreover, even sedentary jobs—such as administrative work in an office—can be difficult since sitting for extended periods can trigger symptoms.
Rest. Right after a muscle strain, it is important to limit your activity level and avoid movements that increase pain. After the initial pain subsides, returning to previous level of activity may help prevent the muscles from growing weak.
It usually gets better in 4 to 6 weeks but can last longer.
The best last-minute excuses to miss work include personal illness, family emergency, doctor's appointments, child care, mental health challenges, death of a loved one, and household problems.
Evidence for Proving Your Injury
Signed doctors' notes stating your diagnosis and that the back injury is work-related. Medical records showing the dates and duration of your treatment, such as prescribed physical therapy. Testimonials from coworkers and other witnesses who saw the accident occur.
While some back pain is only mild to moderate, severe back pain is when your pain is constant, intense or gets worse when you're resting or at night. 2. Your pain is persistent. If your back pain lasts longer than three months, it's considered chronic and may require a tailored treatment plan.