Workplace injuries are a common occurrence among employees. One of the most commonly reported injuries in the workplace is a back injury, which can lead to serious long-term effects if left untreated. This leads to an important question: Should you stay off work with a bad back? You may wonder what rights you have.
Tips for Returning to Work
Winston-Salem work-related back injuries can be serious, and they may require medical treatment. You should consult a medical professional regarding your injury and follow any medical advice that they provide. If you decide to return to work with lower back pain, it is important that you attempt to maintain good posture and take the necessary breaks.
- Maintain good posture. If you sit in a chair at work, you should adjust it so that your feet are flat on the floor. It can also help to keep the curve in your lower back. If your chair doesn’t already do this, you could place a small cushion or pillow behind the curve of your back.
Finally, keep reading materials at eye level and try not to lean over your desk. If your job requires you to do physical exercise, you should also try your hardest to avoid bending, twisting, or leaning at the waist.
- Take breaks. Ten to 15-second breaks can do wonders for back pain. Breaks can include standing up from your chair, looking away from your computer screen, moving around, and even going for a walk. These simple exercises can go a long way toward improving the health of your back.
Should I Return to Work After a Back Injury?
Returning to work with a bad back may not make sense for everyone. This type of situation is typically handled on a case-by-case basis. Some back injuries are worse than others. Whether returning to work is advised can also depend on the type of job you have. More physically demanding work may be more difficult and dangerous to complete while injured.
There are times when rest is the right cure, but there are also times when proper exercise can help a bad back. Consulting a medical professional is always the right choice. It can also be beneficial to consult an attorney who can help you understand any legal ramifications.
If your back injury occurred at work, you could receive workers’ compensation, which provides coverage for missed wages. Therefore, you can stay home to recover without worrying about your finances.
FAQs
Should I Go to Work With Bad Back Pain?
You should not go to work with bad back pain, especially if your work tasks require you to do a lot of heavy lifting or standing. More strenuous movements can cause more damage, and your back pain could get worse. In many cases, the right cure for bad back pain is to get proper rest. However, it is also important to note that some movement can be helpful in this situation. You should consult a medical professional who can help create a recovery plan.
Is a Bad Back a Disability?
A bad back could be a disability in some circumstances. If you have a condition that leads to back pain and impairs your ability to perform your job, your back injury may be classified as a disability, and you could be eligible for benefits. Back pain is a very common injury among employees in the country, and qualifying for disability benefits typically happens on a case-by-case basis. If you have a bad back, you should consult a disability attorney.
What Shouldn’t I Do With Lower Back Pain?
There are several things that you should avoid if you are experiencing lower back pain. It may seem like a good idea to lie down and stay down. However, this can cause your back to stiffen and make your pain worse. It may be helpful to do gentle lower back exercises such as walking or stretching, which can help strengthen your muscles and spinal stability, but you should check with your doctor for complete instructions.
What Should I Do When My Back Hurts So Much I Can’t Move?
If your back hurts so much that you cannot move, you should seek medical attention immediately. There can be several symptoms resulting from a back injury, and paralysis is one of them. Some injuries are more serious than others, but if your injury is so severe that you cannot move, you should contact a medical professional immediately. It can also be a good idea to contact your employer and let them know you cannot work because you need serious medical treatment.
Does Back Pain Ever Get Better?
Back pain can get better, and with the right treatment, it could be fully healed quickly in some cases. There are several factors to consider when it comes to the recovery time for back pain. For example, it typically takes older individuals longer to recover from a back injury. Also, the nature and severity of the injury could play a factor. If you do injure your back, it’s important that you avoid doing the activity that caused your injury in the first place.
A Law Firm You Need to Help You Get the Help You Need
It can be difficult for employees to navigate the line between working through a back injury and immediately reporting the injury to a supervisor. It is almost always recommended that you report your injury to a supervisor and request the necessary time off or an adjustment to the tasks you have. Sometimes, an employer could assist you in finding a different task that does not put unnecessary strain on your back.
M. Reid Acree, Jr., is the legal resource you need if you have any questions relating to workplace injuries or workers’ compensation claims in North Carolina. You may have several questions regarding how to handle your injury in the workplace. Having an experienced workers’ compensation attorney on your side could be exactly what you need. Contact our office today to see how our legal team may support you.