This article is one of a series covering back pain — causes, symptoms, and the treatments we use at Back and Body Medical in Midtown Manhattan. For the complete overview, see the full guide:
→ Back Pain Treatment in New York City — The Complete Guide
Are you dragging yourself to work every day with back pain? Maybe it’s just intermittent, but when it hits, it hits hard. You may be missing work days because of back pain when it’s at its worst.
1 in 4 working people in the USA today experiences at least one back pain event in a 3-month period. That’s one quarter of the workforce and if they’re suffering in silence, they’re not doing themselves any favors.
Because back pain isn’t visible, many people soldier on valiantly, hurting all the way. But when you’re in pain, you need to stand up for yourself and your health.
If you’re one of the USA’s back pain soldiers, you may be thinking the pain will resolve on its own. While that sometimes happens, it’s not usually the case.
So, is it time to see a doctor about your workplace back pain? Read on.
What’s holding you back?
When people with back pain suffer in silence, they may be concerned about losing their jobs. They may fear that their co-workers and superiors won’t take the problem seriously. They may need to take some time off to deal with the issue, but they’re afraid of reprisals if they do so.
Pain can’t be seen unless you’re using mobility aids. People don’t know how much you’re hurting. But you’re hesitant to bring your pain to the attention of those around you.
The best way to help yourself in this situation is to stop “sucking it up” and go see your doctor. Your doctor can diagnose the issue’s underlying cause and move you toward pain relief. And a diagnosis is a crucial support in the workplace.
Your diagnosis is the professional assessment of a medical practitioner. It’s what makes your back pain real and visible in the workplace, so you can stop worrying about what will happen if it’s revealed. A doctor’s opinion has currency, in this respect.
Watch things change
A medical diagnosis open doors for you. It can open the door to key ergonomic workplace modifications that help you stay at work and reduce your back pain.
Talk to your superiors about the problem and let them know that you’re determined to remain productive while the issue is being addressed. This will get their attention.
In addition, come prepared to any discussion you’re planning with managers and decision-makers with information about the American Disabilities Act. The Act stipulates that workers with chronic or persistent pain can request accommodations with respect to items like flexible scheduling and task modification.
Be sure to talk to your immediate supervisors about changes to your workstation, like a chair with better lumbar support, or a back brace to reduce pain. There are so many changes you can make that will ease you through the day with less pain.
Back & Body Medical
Back & Body is an award-winning multi-disciplinarian clinic dedicated to pain relief. If you’re seeking a diagnosis for your back pain, contact us. Let us support you.
Dr Shan Sivendra MD is the founder and medical director of Back and Body Medical in Midtown Manhattan. A board-certified medical doctor, certified acupuncturist, and Director of House Physicians at St. Barnabas Medical Center, Dr Sivendra has been practicing in New York since 1995.
He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Saint Barnabas Medical Center (affiliated with Mount Sinai School of Medicine) and received the Resident Research Award for three consecutive years.
Dr Sivendra has a background spanning internal medicine, pain management, and conservative spine rehabilitation, and was licensed in both the US and the UK.
At Back and Body Medical, he leads a multidisciplinary team of chiropractors, physical therapists, and acupuncturists dedicated to helping patients recover from pain without surgery or unnecessary medication.
Further Reading: Back Pain