Bad back - what should I ask from work?

[Reluctantadult]

I've had prolapsed discs in lower back for 6yrs. I usually manage it ok (pilates etc) but it's been bad since November. I have been to private physio x3, going back tomorrow.

A few weeks ago I did a work trip overnight, cycled to station, 3hrs train, 20 minute walk, sitting in conferences, overnight stay, repeat day 2. It pushed it over the edge. I was up half the night in the hotel with knee pain radiating in pulses, pins and needles sciatica. Dr is aware, I've got naproxen and also codeine/paracetamol if I need it. Dr signed me off 'long travel' for 2 weeks.

I've since had 4 days out and about for work, driving and trains but nothing longer than an hour and a half. It's proving too much though for the moment. Today I cried in a conference and went home early.

What I have been told to do by the doctor is work from home and avoid travel. What I have been told to do by the physio is x10 cobra stretches every hour and no prolonged sitting or standing.

I did ask work could I not go today, it wasn't essential. But despite Dr note was given the whole spiel, everyone will be there, it is still important... Tuesday I 'had to go' because I was helping run training. The Thursday before I was drafted in to give a presentation last min because someone else was ill. The Tuesday before that, I was running the training all day so travel then stand up all day... It's constantly like this at the minute.

So what do I ask from work?

Feel like I'm not being forceful enough, or something. They say all the right words about wellbeing. Public sector.

If colleagues read this, hi 👋

This makes it sound worse than it seems! I'm not in mega pain right now but driving sucks. Finding it really hard to judge where the line of too much is.

Have you got an occupational health department you can speak to?

Not sure, so that's something to ask. Thanks for replying!

What would happen if you got signed off sick until they had sorted something out?

You're welcome. I came back to add have you asked your GP to put their advice in a fit note too?

I'm currently not able to drive so after agreeing I was well enough to work from home my GP has done me a fit note basically saying I can return to work only if I work from home for X number of weeks.

I think you should get signed off totally for a couple of weeks. They will have to manage without you!

What do you feel would benefit you best? Would it be getting signed off for two weeks to get full rest? Would it be asking to wfh with frequent breaks so you can move positions and do the stretches as advised by the physio?

you can request reasonable adjustments from your work place so ask for what you think would work for you. Occ health referral is a good suggestion but it’s not a quick resolution. Ask for that as well.

They would cope.

But I feel like it shouldn't need to come to that.

I do feel like there's been a lack of respect for the "No long travel" note. But also like maybe that's my fault for not being more forceful. I feel like the effects have been cumulative though. It is hard to judge, particularly if it's a case of I can take a painkiller.

But wasn't the note only for 2 weeks? Is it since that elapsed that you've had to travel again?

It has elapsed this week but I travelled within it. I need to get another note and clarify that word 'long'.

Get another “fit note” from the doctor asking for adjustments at work for 6 months, including no travel and/or x days per week working from home.

The fit note should then enable you to get an occupational health meeting via your HR dept, where you can discuss longer term changes like WFH, what kind of desk / chair set-up etc. Good luck!