People in the chronic pain community know that working with a diagnosis of chronic back pain can be difficult. Fortunately, treatment from Tulsa Pain Consultants can make the workday tolerable, but the underlying condition or injury may leave people with more limitations than expected. Some may try to hide the fact that they are in pain from their employer, but in order to promote positive communication, you boss will need to know these 3 things:
1. What does your pain mean?
Chronic pain can be a very misunderstood condition. After all, everyone’s back has been sore at one time or another. Take the time to explain your condition to your boss. Does it hurt all of the time? What kind of pain is it? How does it affect your body and your mind during the workday? Having your boss understand what you’re going through is an important first step in achieving open communication about your needs.
2. How does your treatment affect you?
Tulsa Pain offers a number of chronic back pain treatments including medications, injections, and integrative pain therapies from electrotherapy to acupuncture. You may want your boss to know how you are treating your back pain and how it will affect you. For example, some medications need to be taken with food, so you may have to eat on the job. The Tulsa Pain physicians also warn patients not to lift heavy objects 24 hours after a steroid injection, so if your line of work involves strenuous activity, be sure to give your employer plenty of advanced notice.
3. What accommodations do you need?
If patients are considered disabled, employers must make accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Disabled Americans by law cannot be discriminated against for their disability. This means that patients should not be afraid to speak to their boss about a modification that might make their job easier. This involves all aspects of chronic pain: physical and mental. If you need a lumbar support or need to work from home some days, your boss will need to know.
Conversations with employers are never easy. The staff at Tulsa Pain is more than happy to provide you with a note detailing all of the treatments you are on, including possible side effects you may experience on the job. We can also work with employers of worker’s compensation if necessary as well.
Tulsa Pain is a multi-location pain management practice in Oklahoma that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain. We are dedicated to helping those who are suffering find the relief they deserve. Our team uses a balanced approach by incorporating minimally invasive, outpatient procedures, complementary and alternative medicine, and medication to help patients take control of their pain. Call 855-918-PAIN or click on our “Request An Appointment” tab to meet with one of our talented pain management specialists today!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
