La herniated disc can be a source of worry, especially when it comes to returning to or continuing work. Many people wonder whether they will be able to keep their job or whether they will have to consider a career change.
In this article, we will explore in detail the issue of the impact of herniated disc on the ability to work, possible adaptations and options for recognizing herniated disc as an occupational disease.
Is it possible to work with a herniated disc?
In the vast majority of cases, Yes, it is entirely possible to continue working with a herniated disc, especially when symptoms are well managed. A herniated disc is not a death sentence, and with proper treatment and adjustments to your daily activities, you can return to work safely and effectively. However, some people may need to consider taking a temporary break or making specific adaptations to their job.
Asymptomatic vs. Symptomatic Herniated Discs
Before determining whether you can continue working with a herniated disc, it is important to understand the difference between asymptomatic herniated discs and symptomatic disc herniations.
Asymptomatic Herniated Discs
There are many people who have a herniated disc without feeling any pain. In fact, if we did MRI scans on all your co-workers, some of them might have a herniated disc and not know it because it doesn't cause any symptoms. In that case, working is no problem.
Symptomatic Herniated Discs
Symptomatic disc herniations, on the other hand, often cause back pain, which can radiate into the legs (type sciatica), sometimes with numbness, tingling, or even muscle weakness. This type of hernia requires special attention to avoid worsening of symptoms.
How to Know if Working Out Will Make Your Herniated Disc Worse?
To assess whether your job may be making your herniated disc worse, it is essential to take into account: two key factors :
1. Activities or Postures that Make Your Pain Worse
The first thing to do is to identify the movements, postures or activities that increase your pain. For example:
- Is stay seated too long causes your pain?
- Is lift loads worsen your symptoms?
- Does the marche or prolonged standing are problematic?
2. The Physical Demands of Your Job
Next, identify the physical demands of your job. You should ask yourself questions like:
- Does your job involve standing for long periods of time? ?
- Do you have to lifting heavy loads or perform flexion and twisting movements of the spine?
- Do you use vibration machines which stress the spine?
Connecting the Factors
Once you have answered these questions, it is a matter of compare the factors that aggravate your pain with the physical demands of your job. Here are some possible scenarios:
- Good sign : If your pain occurs mainly when standing, but your job requires you to sit most of the day, you may be able to continue working without any problems.
- Problem : If you cannot sit for more than 20 minutes without pain, but your job requires 8 hours of office time, adjustments or temporary discontinuation may be necessary.
What are the options if work makes a herniated disc worse?
Work stoppage
If the demands of your job are too high for your physical abilities, a work stopping can be considered. The duration of the shutdown will depend on several factors:
- Severity of symptoms.
- Response to treatment.
- Severity of disc injury.
Typically, a work stoppage can last from a few days to several weeks, depending on your doctor's advice.
Adapted Return to Work
If your symptoms improve but persist slightly, it is possible to return to work with adaptations. This may include:
- Limit sitting to 30 minutes with regular breaks.
- Limit the weight of loads to lift.
- Avoid awkward postures (squatting, bending) or using vibrating machines.
The return to work will be gradual, with the agreement of your employer and your doctor.
Can a Herniated Disc Be Recognized as an Occupational Disease?
What is an occupational disease?
An illness is said to be occupational if it results from the usual conditions of exercising the professional activity. In France, the herniated disc may be recognized as an occupational disease under certain conditions, defined in the tables 97 and 98 of Social Security.
Conditions of Recognition
To be recognized as an occupational disease, the following criteria must be met:
- Support time less than 6 months.
- The herniated disc must affect certain segments (L4-L5, L5-S1 for sciatica; L2-L3, L3-L4 for cruralgia).
- Your job must expose you to risks such as handling heavy loads or using vibrating machines.
Steps to Follow
If you think your herniated disc is related to your work, see your doctor. He or she will give you a diagnosis and help you fill out a form to submit to the Primary Health Insurance Fund (CPAM)If your claim is accepted, you may receive benefits to cover your medical expenses and loss of income.
How to Speed Up Your Healing?
If you want to speed up your recovery and return to an active professional life, we recommend you try our 21 Day Back Pain Program, a free progressive exercise program to relieve your pain and strengthen your back.
👉 Sign up here for the 21 Day Back Pain Program
For an even more complete and structured solution, go to Lombafit Studio, a platform offering guided exercise sessions to improve your back health, all from home.
👉 Discover Lombafit Studio here
Remember that a herniated disc is not inevitable. With the right approach, you can regain control of your life and career!
References
My name is Anas Boukas and I am a physiotherapist. My mission ? Helping people who are suffering before their pain worsens and becomes chronic. I am also of the opinion that an educated patient greatly increases their chances of recovery. This is why I created Healthforall Group, a network of medical sites, in association with several health professionals.
My journey:
Bachelor's and Master's degrees at the University of Montreal , Physiotherapist for CBI Health,
Physiotherapist for The International Physiotherapy Center