AIBU to consider getting signed off or just deal with it?

[FedUp135]

Just looking for some outside perspective after I’ve come home in tears this evening!

I’m 29 and I work full time in a healthcare role. I feel like I’m really struggling at the moment.
I’ve had neck pain for years (disc desiccation on MRI). Recently it’s got to the point where I’m struggling with normal things like walking to the shop (it’ll flare up). I’m exhausted all the time, falling asleep after work, and I feel like I’m constantly thinking about my neck.
I feel like I never relax and where I work full time (and always in the office) I struggle to squeeze in things like appointments, workouts etc.

I broke down because I feel like I’ve lost my normal life. I miss not having to think about pain all day and just feeling comfortable in my body.

I’m considering taking some time signed off sick and the pros are:

• I could consistently do gentle gym/rehab work rather than trying to squeeze it in around work
• I could finally get blood tests done, possibly look into sleep study because I’m exhausted
• I’d have less time sat in the car (I drive 40 minutes each way)
• I could maybe start therapy?
• I’d have time to actually relax and reset
• I’m entitled to full pay I think
• I’m persistent bloated and maybe it’ll help

But the cons are:

• I have a large caseload which wouldn’t be covered and I’ll return to a massive backlog
• I worry I’ll just spend more time alone in my flat (I already struggle being alone all day)
• My partner said it might help for a month or two, but when I go back I’ll still have the same job, commute and pressures

And to be fair this is just adult life and maybe I should just suck it up.

I was thinking of maybe taking 2 weeks annual leave instead.
Has anyone taken sick leave for chronic pain/stress/burnout and found it genuinely helped??

I did this when I was in a high pressure job years ago and ended up having 5 months off and a phased return it really helped but I felt sick with guilt at being off, could occupational health help with anything, I find driving really affects my neck couod you look for anything with a shorter commute x

Have you had an occupational health assessment?
That would be the logical starting point.

If you need time off sick due to the pain then take it. You should definitely speak to your OH department though - they may be able to make adjustments to your work or give you dedicated time off for physio

I kind of agree with DH the job will still be there when you go back along with the same pressures and commute and unless something drastic changes you will most likely be back in this position after a further few months.
Even if you do take some time off you need to be looking at how you can mitigate the strains of the job, yoga, aromatherapy, counselling etc.
Re the commute can you turn it into a relaxing period? I have a 1hr 45 commute 4 times a week, I use the 2 morning journeys to have a conversation with my cousin/ bestie while she’s walking her dogs, the evening commute I listen to an audiobook. I’ve come to look on the commute as my period to wind down before I get home.
DH has fibromyalgia and chronic pain, he works a stressful job often putting in 50-60 hour weeks. We keep life outside work very slow and I pick up most of the housework. Holidays are usually very low expectation, we visited family last week which was very full on and his pain this week has been exceptional, he doesn’t like taking painkillers but I put them on his plate at every mealtime on Sunday and he took them without any argument. We’ve been going to bed early and I’ve been trying to add more green stuff into our meals. We’re away next week in a little cabin fishing and there will be lots of chilling!