Dealing with a back condition in the workplace can be both painful and stressful. In many cases, workplace behavior may have caused your back or neck discomfort in the first place. Whether you sit for hours in front of a computer screen or are on your feet all day waiting tables, the daily wear and tear that your spine undergoes can lead to strains, sprains, and chronic conditions. If you are experiencing back or neck pain that does not seem to be going away at a normal pace, schedule a consultation with your primary care physician. He or she will then be able to prescribe an effective treatment regimen that is suited to your profession and your lifestyle.

Talk to Your Doctor

All doctors will have slightly different processes for diagnosing back conditions, but you can expect that your physician will perform a physical exam, review your medical history, and ask you detailed questions about the symptoms you have been experiencing. Be sure to answer all of your doctor’s questions as thoroughly as possible so that he or she can get a clear picture of your discomfort and the types of activities that may be exacerbating your pain. If your back pain does seem to be worse while you are at work, make sure you inform your doctor so that this can be taken into consideration when treatments are being prescribed.

Tips for Convenient Treatments

Your doctor may recommend treatments like stretching, hot/cold compresses, physical therapy, bracing, or a variety of other nonsurgical approaches to pain relief. You may be thinking, “How on earth am I supposed to administer these treatments at work?” Just try to integrate treatments where you can. Stretch on your lunch break; keep pain medication in your purse or pocket; keep a cold compress in the break room fridge; wear a brace if long periods of sitting or standing are hurting your back. While it may feel inconvenient – and conspicuous – at first, you’ll soon have an arsenal of treatments that you have adapted to the workplace.

Should You Talk to Your Boss?

A common concern when dealing with back pain at work is whether you should inform your boss of your condition. On the one hand, you don’t want your supervisor to think that you are unable to perform your job properly, but on the other hand it is important that management realizes you are dealing with an injury and may occasionally require special consideration. Use your discretion on this issue, but if your spine condition could at any time cause you to miss work, it is likely a serious enough issue for your boss to know about.

Learning More

There are a variety of resources where individuals can learn more tips for taking care of back pain while at work. Online forums or message boards about occupational injuries or mild degenerative spine conditions may offer some helpful information. It may even be beneficial to ask around at work – chances are one or more employees are also dealing with back or neck problems and may be able to offer treatment suggestions. The important thing to keep in mind is that you should stay in close communication with your doctor and always get his or her approval before integrating other treatments into your prescribed regimen.

Taylor Thomas is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Thomas is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to back pain.

Taylor Thomas is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Thomas is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to back pain. http://www.laserspinewellness.com/

Author Bio: Taylor Thomas is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Thomas is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to back pain.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: Back Pain