Better Backs 2007 Speakers Notes – Staying active and returning to work

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Slide 1

This presentation is part of the Better Backs Campaign. The content reflects the advice given in the “Staying active and returning to work” information sheet in the pack.

Slide 2

Back pain is not unusual. Most of us will suffer from back pain at some point in our lives. About 80% of us will experience back pain over our lifetimes possibly from leisure, work or even normal activities. Evidence from around the world supports staying active with back pain and getting back to normal activities as soon as possible.

Slide 3

There’s been a radical shift in thinking about treatment for back pain in the last decade. The old-fashioned treatment for back pain was to rest and wait for the pain to go away.

We now know from studies around the world that:

Most spells of back pain will get better of its own accord
It’s bad to stay in bed
The best treatment is to stay active
Getting gloomy simply makes matters worse
It’s important to carry on with normal activities, including getting back to work, even if the pain hasn’t completely gone.

This is the advice you’ll hear from medical organisations, GPs, patient groups, occupational health professionals, chiropractors and osteopaths.

Slide 4

Back pain usually eases within days or a few weeks, at least enough to get on with your life. Only a few people with back pain have a slipped disc or a trapped nerve. Even then, it usually gets better by itself. X-rays and MRI scans can detect serious spinal injuries (which are very rare), but they don’t usually help with a diagnosis in ordinary back pain.

If you find you have severe pain, which gets worse over several weeks instead of better, or if you are unwell with back pain, you should see your GP. If you continue to have constant pain, this advice on dealing with back pain does not apply. We recommend

that you consult your GP, if you have not already done so. If you have back pain and suddenly notice any of these rare symptoms, you should see a doctor about them straight away:

Slide 5

What you do in the early stages of back pain is very important. For some people, it can be very painful. However, rest for more than a day or two usually doesn’t help and may prolong the pain and make things worse.

Your back is designed for movement, a lot of movement, and the muscles will weaken if not used.

Slide 6

Although aches and pains may last for some time, that doesn’t mean it’s serious. Getting stiff joints and muscles going again can be painful; athletes accept that when they start training, their muscles can hurt and they have to work through the pain. But that doesn’t mean they are doing any damage.

Slide 7

Your body thrives on activity so, as far as possible, do what you normally do. Make sure you get active,– walk, take the stairs instead of the lift, cycle, swim and keep up normal exercise.

Such regular physical activity will help you to recover, get back to work sooner and make it less likely that you’ll suffer from back pain in the future. Be positive and get on with your life.

Slide 8

Try simple pain relief to manage the pain, it’s better to take painkillers by the clock rather than waiting until the pain is really bad. Heat or cold may help.

Slide 9

HSE’s advice to managers on sickness absence has four major points. As employees, or safety representatives, you may experience these. They are intended to help you get back to work and co-operation is in your own interest – as well as the employer’s.

Early intervention

Early and regular contact with an employee off sick is paramount although it may not be cost effective to do more than this until at least two weeks have passed as most people are likely to have recovered and returned with in this period. Don’t feel harassed if your boss phones you. He is doing his job and getting back to work soon is also in your interest.

Work is not harmful if properly managed

If work has made you sick then its natural to see work as a problem. BUT overall work is good for physical and mental health and wellbeing. A well-managed organisation should be addressing any risks through control measures, although these may need to be reviewed in the light of someone’s sickness absence.

A return to work can often happen before symptoms cease

It is unnecessary, unrealistic and unhelpful to wait until all symptoms cease and;

Work is a treatment in its own right

There is good evidence to show that work aids physical and mental recovery improving self-esteem, confidence and indeed physical healing.

Slide 10

HSE’s good practice guidance to employers identifies six practical elements to manage sickness absence and return to work.

Recording sickness absence

The need for regular, at least weekly summations with ideally prompts for managers. If you don’t report work-related illnesses one knows the workplace needs looking at.

Keeping in contact

Expect your manager to keep in contact after you have been away for a week or so.

Planning and undertaking workplace adjustments

The purpose is to remove obstacles to return to work especially personal and work/organisational barriers. Don’t be shy of asking for the changes you need to get back to work. You owe it to yourself.

Making use of professional or other advice and treatment

If outsiders are brought in make full use of them.

Agreeing and reviewing a return to work plan

If you have been away for about 4 weeks expect your line manager to start making a plan to get you back. The evidence is that of those off work for more than 6 weeks – half never return. It is in your interests to plan your return – even if it seems unlikely at the time.

Coordinating the return to work process

Human Resources and Trade Union representatives can play an important role here. You may need professional case managers in complex cases.

Slide 11

The Back Book gives evidence-based advice about coping with back pain by staying active. It covers the possible causes, what you might experience if you suffer from back pain, advice on ways of dealing with it including pain control, staying active and what this means, and what to do if you don’t get better.

Another book deals with whiplash injuries. “The whiplash book”

Slide 12

This slide contains details of places to go for more information. Off sick and worried about getting back to work (INDG 397 can be download from this CD or from the HSE website. The booklet Working together is only available from the website at www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/web02.pdf

and not is not available in hard copy. Don’t cross your fingers and hope for the best.