3 Reasons You Shouldn’t Ignore Back Pain at Work

Back pain is a leading cause of missed workdays and disability worldwide. Here are three important reasons you shouldn’t ignore work-related back pain.

You’ve probably experienced back pain at some point in your life. Maybe it was from lifting something heavy, or maybe you sat in an awkward position for too long. Whatever the cause, you likely took some time to rest and let the pain subside before going about your day-to-day activities.

However, what happens when the pain doesn’t go away? What if it gets worse? Unfortunately, this is a common experience for many workers. In fact, according to the American Chiropractic Association, back pain as a leading cause of missed workdays and disability worldwide.

Here 3 reasons you should not try to power through your back pain or take it lightly:

Back Pain Can Be a Symptom of a Serious Injury

Back pain is often caused by strains or sprains, but it can also be a symptom of a more serious back injury, such as a herniated disc or spinal fracture. If you’re experiencing back pain at work, don’t ignore it – talk to your doctor or seek professional medical help immediately. Ignoring the pain could make the injury worse and lead to additional medical problems down the road. 

Back Pain Can Impact Your Ability to Do Your Job

Even if your back pain isn’t caused by a serious injury, it can still impact your ability to do your job effectively. If you’re in constant pain, it will be difficult to concentrate on your tasks and perform them to the best of your ability. Additionally, if your job requires you to lift heavy objects or be on your feet for long periods, back pain can make these tasks more difficult and even dangerous. 

Back Pain Can Lead to Lost Productivity and Missed Workdays

Chronic back pain can lead to lost productivity at work as well as missed workdays. If you’re frequently absent from work due to back pain, you may fall behind on projects or miss deadlines. In severe cases, chronic back pain can even lead to job loss.

St. Louis Work Injury Lawyer

If you’re experiencing back pain at work, don’t ignore it – report your work-related back pain and seek medical attention. Taking care of your back now will help prevent further injuries down the road and ensure that you can continue working without interruption.

If your back pain is work-related, you are generally entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. At the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann, we have over 30 years of experience handling Missouri workers’ compensation claims and can help you get the benefits you deserve.