How to Return to Work After a Severe Back Injury

by | Feb 21, 2022 | return-to-work

One of the worst workplace injuries that can make life difficult for an employee is back injury. We all depend on our backs to carry our weight and help us do many day-to-day tasks. But, when a person has severe back pain, they might not be able to do most of the tasks they did before the injury. If you also had a back injury due to your work or your back was hurt during a workplace accident or incident and want to know how to return to work after a severe back injury, read on for some useful tips

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Get the Go-Ahead from Your Doctor

If you had a serious back injury and want to return to work, you need to get a go-ahead from your doctor. Explain the nature of your job (previous or new) and let them do some tests to ensure that your body is ready to return to work, especially your back. 

  • Avoid Lifting

Lifting anything, especially heavy items, is not recommended for people with back injuries. If anyone at work asks you to lift something, refuse politely and explain that you have a back injury. 

  • Do Exercises

Do the exercises your doctor has recommended before, during, or after work hours. You can do simple exercises like walking to keep your muscles strong and your heart healthy. If walking seems too much, consult your doctor to devise a customized exercise plan. There are countless exercises you can do, even at your desk. 

  • Focus on the Core

Focus more on core exercises because a strong core will support your back when your core muscles are strengthened. A strong core will also negate the risk of future back injuries. 

  • Lose Excess Weight

It is also recommended that you lose extra weight if you are overweight or obese. When you have extra weight, it adds stress to your back and makes a recovery difficult, long, and hard. 

  • Commuting Advice

If you have a long commute time and you choose to drive your car to work, make sure you adjust the car seat so that you can easily enter, sit in, and get out of the car. Bring the car seat as far forward as possible so that you don’t bend your back while driving to and from work. If you have to drive for hours, take a break every one hour to rest your back. You can stop the car, walk around and then get back in. 

  • Work Modifications

You can also request your supervisor to set up the workstation correctly. If you have to sit in front of a computer for long hours, make sure you pick a chair with a straight back, adjustable seat, back, armrests, and has a swivel seat too. 

Talk about your workday and postures with a therapist and discuss potential changes like placing a cushioned mat under your feet to help with your pain. 

Get up and move around often during the workday and take a 10-15 minute break before work, during lunch, and after lunch. 

Avoid standing for a prolonged period. If you need to stand for the job, rest one foot on the stool and keep switching with the other foot during the day. 

  • The Basics

Make sure you follow a healthy diet plan and eat the recommended foods

Also, take your medication on time to ensure the pain stays away

Let your supervisor know of potential side effects of medications

Share an emergency contact person’s number with your supervisor they can connect with if your pain worsens at work

Need More Return to Work Advice?

If you need more help regarding how to return to work after a severe back injury, then you can connect with the team of Laura M. Wilson & Associates Inc. We help you return to work with your previous employer when you are ready or help you get a job you will love in an organization that will value you. We also offer constant support until you learn to thrive in your new job. 

We provide a wide array of services such as SJDB Service, RTWSP Service, Expert Witness, Vocational Evaluation, Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling Services, and Transferable Skills Analysis. Our vocational rehabilitation counselors will decide which services are right for you and offer a solution that helps you return to work and retain your job. To know more about how we can help, book an appointment here or call us toll-free on (800) 531-5608.

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