Patient Information Resources


Spine Institute
Glendale Adventist Medical Center
1500 E. Chevy Chase Drive, Suite 401B
Glendale, CA 91206
Ph: (818) 863-4444






Spine - Cervical
Spine - General
Spine - Lumbar
Spine - Thoracic

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I've been off work for two weeks because of low back pain. I took my doctor's advice and rested for a day. Then I tried to keep active and move a little bit every hour. I'm ready to go back to work. Should I ease back into it? Or do I just pick up where I left off? That idea makes me more than a little nervous.

You didn't mention what kind of work you do or the type of workplace you're in. Making the transition back to work may depend on these two factors. Modified duties may be helpful if you are engaged in repetitive activities, prolonged postures, or required to lift heavy loads frequently.

A workplace evaluation may be needed to help you decide what's needed. If your physician is an occupational specialist, then he or she can help you with this. Otherwise, you may need a physical therapist to help you set up the necessary changes.

Sometimes it's just a matter of resuming your job by starting out with reduced work hours. If no other modifications are needed, you can begin with a two hour shift and add one to two hours each day until you are back full-time.

Of course, all of these ideas require the cooperation of your employer. If you feel confident approaching your manager about this, try to make arrangements yourself. If not, you may need to visit with your doctor and ask for some help. In many cases, a letter from the physician outlining the steps needed is all that's required.


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