Lower Back Pain At Work | Why You Should Tell Your Boss

Most people who suffer lower back pain at work don’t tell their employers. No matter the style of the working environment, most people assume they shouldn’t tell their employer the issue they’re facing, worried about their employer’s reaction. For most sufferers, however, informing their employer of their musculoskeletal condition will benefit both the employer and them, and we describe the reasons why keeping this secret won’t help to manage flare-ups and persistent pain issues.

Better Time Management

As your lower back pain flares up, you will likely need to visit your local chiropractor for treatment and support. Depending on your pain, and the availability of appointments, you may require extended breaks or reduced working hours to accommodate for these appointments. If your employer knows you need these appointments, they can better workaround rostering issues, or adjust your workload during your reduced workday. It will also help to minimise essential meetings and training events scheduled when you are at your appointments, ensuring you don’t miss significant work milestones.

Better Break Management

Most businesses have set lunch and tea breaks, usually scheduled well in advance, or, in the case of office environments, at the discretion of the employee. However, for those with firmly set break times, adjusting when you take your break will accommodate the rest you need, providing you with longer recovery during your flare-ups. Employers won’t take lightly to you assigning yourself additional breaks or rest periods, as they will assume you’re lazy or insubordinate.

Different Furniture Choices

Employers are always looking to adjust the equipment and furniture choices to suit their employees’ health and well-being better. It’s becoming widely acknowledged that certain conditions come from prolonged periods of repeating the same activity, or inactivity, and employers are trying to encourage a better, healthier work life. Once they are aware different furniture choices will help you, like standing desks or ergonomic chairs, they can adjust their purchases to address your back pain efficiently.

Better Rostering

If your lower back pain is debilitating during your flare-ups, you will need your employer’s support, especially to alter the roster to cover your shifts or move you to another role. Some sufferers assume their employer will not take favourably to requesting shift changes, or asking to modify their duties; however, most appreciate the honesty. Your employer wants you healthy to perform your tasks effectively, and they will work to achieve this happily.

Are you concerned about managing your lower back pain at work? Discuss your treatment options with one of our chiropractors here at MyChiro, and see how we can help you survive your workdays easily!