Wondering how much time off work should you take for back pain? In this article, we answer your question by discussing the factors that influence the length of time off work for back pain, medical recommendations, and the consequences of prolonged time off work.

I - How much time off work for different cases of back pain?

The length of your sick leave depends on the type of back pain you have. If you have a herniated disc, your sick leave can last from a few weeks to several months, depending on the need for rest and treatment. Typically, sick leave for a herniated disc lasts about 4 to 12 weeks.

For low back pain, 2 to 6 weeks of sick leave are recommended. For spondylolisthesis, the average is 6 to 12 weeks of sick leave. The sick leave time for disc disease varies from a few weeks to several months.

For cruralgia, the time off work is from a few days to several weeks depending on the severity of your situation. The time off work for sciatica depends on your position:

- For sedentary work, the duration of sick leave is approximately 2 days; for light physical work, approximately 5 days; for moderate physical work, approximately 21 days.

The duration of sick leave for sciatica can be up to 35 days for heavy physical work.

It is important to take into consideration that these periods of work stoppage are approximate and vary on a case-by-case basis.

II - What factors influence the duration of work stoppage?

Different factors influence the length of sick leave, including the severity of the pain and the condition. More severe cases often require more rest and therefore a longer period of sick leave.

The nature of your job and its physical demands are also factors that strongly influence the length of the leave. Jobs that involve prolonged standing, handling heavy objects or repetitive movements require a longer period of leave.

Finally, among the factors that impact the duration of work stoppage, there is also the type of treatment and the time needed for recovery. Some medical treatments such as surgery or physiotherapy require a longer period of work stoppage.

Ultimately, the length of time you are off work depends on the severity of your pain, your condition, the physical demands of your job, as well as the type of treatment you are receiving and the recovery time you need.

III - Medical recommendations for sick leave

If you suffer from back pain, you should first have a medical consultation and a thorough diagnosis in order to assess the severity of your case and choose an appropriate treatment. Depending on your condition, your doctor will prescribe you an appropriate work stoppage based on the factors we mentioned above, the pain, your condition, the demands of your job, the type of treatment and the recovery time needed.

In addition, it is essential to monitor the progress of your case with regular medical follow-up, in order to ensure optimal recovery and to adjust your work stoppage if necessary.

IV - Consequences of prolonged work stoppage

Prolonged work stoppage can have financial, professional and mental health consequences.

Financially, a prolonged work stoppage usually results in a significant loss of income, if you do not have compensation or disability insurance. Professionally, a long sick leave can impact your career progression and professional opportunities. Finally, a prolonged work stoppage can impact your mental health by generating stress, anxiety and sometimes even depression linked to isolation and loss of routine.

To facilitate your return to work after a long period of absence, it is crucial to have open communication with your employer and your doctors in order to put in place any necessary adaptations for a safe return to work in a pleasant and productive environment adapted to your needs.

Ultimately, the length of time you need to take time off work for back pain depends on several factors, such as the severity of the pain, the nature of your job, the type of treatment, and the recovery time needed for your recovery.

FAQ: Answers to your questions about taking time off work for back pain.

How to get sick leave for back pain?

To obtain a work stoppage for back pain, you must undergo a complete diagnosis by a specialist, consult your doctor or the occupational physician if necessary.

How long is a work stoppage for lumbago?

A work stoppage for lumbago can last from a few days to a few weeks depending on the severity of your condition, your treatment and what your doctor recommends.

Can I work with lower back pain?

It depends on the nature of your work and the severity of your lower back pain. However, it is best to take precautions to avoid making your condition worse by adjusting your workstation with suitable accessories such as a ball chair, standing desk, wrist rest, or lumbar cushion. It is also important to stay active at the office by taking breaks.

Is back pain considered a disability?

Back pain can be considered a disability if it has a significant impact on your productivity and daily life. In this case, adjustments to your living and working environment are necessary.

What work to do when you have back problems?

When you suffer from back problems, you should choose a job with an ergonomic environment that does not require strain on your back. Jobs that allow you to change positions and maintain a correct position for your back should be favored so as not to aggravate your back problems.