Don't Suffer from Back Pain at Work in Vacaville?
If back pain interferes with your life in Vacaville from time-to-time, you are not alone. In fact, back pain is quite common in the United States, in which 1 in 4 adults experience at least one day of pain in a 3-month period.
In addition, your job may even risk your back such as when you are lifting or pulling weights as well as sitting at a desk all day. These things can take a toll on your spine and will end up hurting your back.
You might worry that your complaint will not be taken seriously, and you will feel like getting criticized for asking some modifications that could help you manage both the pain and your job. These concerns will not help your back feel any better.
Back pain Challenges in Vacaville
These are the challenges that back pain sufferers face when they are at work:
- Worry about using medication
- Worry on their ability to work in the future
- How to cope with the pain on the job, especially during flare-ups
- Worry about the consequences of taking sick time
- How to relay their pain to bosses and co-workers and be taken seriously
Coping with back pain on the job
One of the reasons why back pain symptoms are so difficult is because it is invisible to others. Your co-worker will not see your pain and they may even forget that it exists in you.
You might think that it is better to keep the suffering to yourself instead of drawing attention to yourself. However, you must break that silence so that you can get both physical and emotional relief.
An effective way of help you advocate for yourself at work is to get a diagnosis. A doctor can help investigate your pain and may provide you with some advice on managing it. Getting a confirmed diagnosis will support your request for workplace modifications that allows you to suffer less pain and be more productive.
Advocating for yourself on the job
If you are starting to learn about your back pain and what you need to be more productive at work, here are some tips on advocating yourself:
- Get the proper documentation: A medical diagnosis explaining your pain is required for you to be qualified for reasonable accommodations. You can also use this documentation to get yourself a driver's license that allows you access to handicapped parking spots.
- Emphasize that productivity is your goal: Explain that doing simple steps at work, like being able to get up and stretch periodically, will allow you to keep working longer and more comfortably.
- Ask about an ergonomics review: Most human resources departments can provide a free ergonomics review of your workstation if you request for it. This information can make you eligible for a chair with better lumbar support and other workplace modifications. If budget is a concern, then there are other alternatives for this one like placing rolled towels at your lower back.
- Share your struggles: Your co-workers will be more supportive if they know that you are trying your best to get well. If it is appropriate, you can share your tips about conquering the pain because they might benefit from you as well.
- Keep a doctor's note on hand: If you are nervous about asking for the modifications that you will be requesting, ask your doctor for a letter that details your treatment needs. You might not have to show it to everyone but at least you are prepared when you have it in your pocket.
So, speak up for yourself at work especially when back pain is bothering you. In addition, you can get checked by visiting the clinic of Absolute Integrative Physical Medicine in Vacaville, CA. They specialize in back pain and all sorts of pain so make sure to check them out. To set up an appointment and get the appropriate treatment, just (707) 474-5688 today!
OFFICE HOURS
Monday
8:30am - 1:00pm
2:00pm - 7:00pm
Tuesday
9:00am - 1:00pm
2:00pm - 7:00pm
Wednesday
8:30am - 1:00pm
2:00pm - 7:00pm
Thursday
9:00am - 1:00pm
2:00pm - 7:00pm
Friday
Closed
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed
Absolute Integrative Physical Medicine
1490 Alamo Drive Suite B
Vacaville, CA 95687