Le disc pinching sometimes accompanied by incapacitating pain. It is therefore normal to ask the question whether it is possible to work in the presence of this condition. This is all the more true if you have manual work, or if you have to maintain a static position for a long time.
This article covers everything you need to know about disc pinching and the impact on working life.
Disc pinching, short recall
Le pinch ou disc compression is associated with the height of a intervertebral disc that can be found reduces.
This condition can affect most parts of the spine: one or more vertebrae individualized. The most affected are often the lumbar and thoracic. Most often, the settlement is located between the L5 and S1 vertebrae. This is due to the multiple physical stresses that the vertebrae in this position undergo.
Although asymptomatic in some cases, the disc pinching can also be manifested by the following signs:
- Ailments in the spine: these pains can have a variable intensity (mild, moderate, acute).
- A blockage in the mobility of the spine: the pain makes certain movements difficult. This can for example prevent the patient from bending over or getting up properly.
- A decrease in height, up to 10 cm. It is sometimes encountered with a kyphosis or exaggeration of the convexity of the upper dorsal zone which becomes rounded.
- A feeling of instability comes with compaction.
- Dysfunction or even loss of muscle (sarcopenia).
- A respiratory gene.
- A gastroesophageal disorder.
Disc pinching and labor: What are the risks?
Excessive strain on the spine can lead to irritation of the structures surrounding the intervertebral discs and vertebral joints.
In the most severe cases, this can even cause conditions such as:
- disc herniation
- degenerative disc disease
- sciatica et cruralgia
- lumbar arthritis
- cauda equina syndrome
- etc.
Otherwise, disc pinching can also become chronic, and cause persistent low back pain.
What can we do then?
In the presence of disc narrowing, the following recommendations should be followed to optimize healing and prevent professional life from being affected:
- Consult as soon as possible to establish an early diagnosis and guide treatment.
- Strictly follow the medical treatment issued by the health professional.
- In the presence of incapacitating pain, a work stoppage could be prescribed. This will prevent overloading the spine and thus aggravating the condition.
- Physical therapy (physiotherapy) sessions should ideally be prescribed to relieve pain and improve function. Besides physio, osteopathy sessions can also provide significant relief.
- When returning to work, ideally resume gradually by making the necessary adjustments (adaptation of the workstation, application of optimal load lifting techniques, etc.).
Disc pinching, occupational disease?
If you suffer from a narrowed disc in the course of your work, you can in some cases have your pathology recognized as an occupational disease.
First of all, the pinching must be associated with a herniated disc. Disc pinching alone is generally not recognized as an occupational disease.
Similarly, the hernia must be associated with symptoms of sciatica or cruralgia.
More specifically, you should know that: "a herniated disc is considered an occupational disease, a herniation caused by compression of the sciatic nerve or crural nerve. It also requires occupational exposure of more than five years, as well as work that falls within a limited list of activities related to the manual handling of heavy loads. »
To do this, you must refer to the table of occupational diseases, namely table 98 under the general scheme and table 57 under the agricultural scheme.
Please note that this only concerns the lumbar disc herniation. In case of cervical disc herniation, it must lead to a disability rate of more than 25% in order to qualify for recognition as an occupational disease.
The steps to follow if you want to have your pathology recognized as an occupational disease
- First, consult your doctor. You need to have a precise medical diagnosis and a work stoppage related to this pathology.
- You then have 15 days to declare your sick leave to the Caisse Primaire d'Assurance Maladie (CPAM). They will then send you a form to fill out.
- The CPAM will rule within three months or even six months if your pathology is not included in the table of occupational diseases (cervical disc herniation).
Is it possible to receive compensation in the event of a pinched disc?
If your pathology is associated with a herniated disc and recognized as a disease caused by your work, you will have a compensation for occupational disease.
