You will probably experience back pain at some point in your life. Yet, you might not consider it a big enough problem to complain about. Day after day, you may turn up at work and manage it as best you can. Perhaps you swallow painkillers when it hurts too much. Or maybe you spend your own money on a monthly trip to a chiropractor or massage therapist in the hope of easing your discomfort.
Back injuries can occur for many reasons, and pinning down why can be challenging. You might blame it on too many tackles during your college football days, lifting too much when you were landscaping your garden, or even carrying your wife across the threshold on the day you got married. Yet, when you look at the amount of time you spend at work, it seems logical it may have happened there.
A back injury does not always stem from one event. They are often the result of many little episodes. Think about boxers. While one big punch could put them in hospital, many suffer lifelong brain damage due to years of lesser blows. Years of sitting in an uncomfortable office chair or moving awkward loads can take their toll.
Treat a sore back as a warning that you need to stop
You might feel you can continue working with a back injury. Yet how long can you continue for? If you do not get the rest or treatment you need, it will probably get worse and may get to the point where the injury becomes so severe that even getting out of bed to go to work hurts.
Employers pay you in exchange for your time and skills. If they are also taking away your health in the process, it is crucial to seek workers ’compensation benefits. Without it, you may struggle to finance the rest, recovery and treatment that you need.