If you have a knackered back at what point do you give in and let big brother know?

[EccentricaGallumbits]

It's been buggered since just after christmas. I've been knocking back the drugs but it seems to have got to a point then stopped getting better.

So do I pop off to the docs and see if there is anything that can be done?

or do I go off to occupational health - get a referral to physio (which will be quicker than waiting for GP to refer me)?

but - by admitting to occy health that the back is indeed buggered it will be on my health record for work and I'll have to declare it when I apply for a new job in a few months. which in theory shouldn't affect my chances but in reality might.

arse and damnation. what should I do?

I went to the BBC from a job where it was not a good idea to reveal any physical problems. As a result, when I developed RSI I hid it and coped the best I could. When my manager discovered my deception he was very cross with me (for hiding it and not getting treatment), and sent me straight to Occ Health. The physio treated me far faster than would have been the case via NHS.

It did not affect my career at the BBC at all. I haven't had a paid job since, so don't know whether documented RSI would have had any affect. But unless your career path involves physical work, I don't see why it should affect you.

Take advantage of Occ Health - I've used it several times, and in my experience it has been extremely good.

i'm a nurse. shortly to be a midwife too. so a buggered back is a bit of a problem.

do you know what the problem is caused by...is it discs or muscular.

Could you get an assessment with a chiropractor first and see what they say? Best £45 I've ever spent IMO.

You are not covered by insurance for this unless you tell them. If anything goes pear shaped at work then you are stuffed so it's best to notify them ASAP.

I worked as a HCA for many years and saw Occy Health for bad back. Never caused a problem for me. Even when I changed to an office job after DS was born. I also had physio for 6 years (from age 15, started HCA work at 18).

Both Hospital and Office just gave me an assessment and made sure that I knew limitations and didn't exceed them and made sure provisions were in place and that my manual handling was properly up to date at all times. All employers were fine with it.

I would agree with BelleDeChoc - you could try McTimoney chiropractic, which is a more gentle approach, none of that crunching and cracking!

McTimoney Chiropractic Association website has a Search function.

I would say one episode of back pain in nursing is pretty common and not likely to do you any career harm. However the longer you leave this issue the worse it may become causing time off/pain/reduction in activity/more pain etc etc. I would get a referral as soon as poss.
PS. I am a physio!