Dealing with chronic pain can impact your overall well-being, as well as your ability to concentrate and manage daily tasks. It can also lead to a deterioration in mental health if it is not properly managed.
If you are dealing with severe or ongoing pain, it can also be difficult to continue to engage in full-time employment, especially if the nature of your work caused or contributed to the condition you are suffering from. You should never over-exert yourself at work because this could worsen the pain.
If you believe that the chronic pain you are suffering from originated from the workplace or was worsened at work, you may be able to claim workers’ compensation for the damages. The following are some ways that you can manage chronic pain in the working environment.
Report an injury as soon as possible after it occurs
Many people who suffer from pain that became gradually worse never think to report it to their employer, and as a result, they may struggle to successfully claim workers’ compensation. This is why you should make reports of any pain or injury that you consider to be work-related, particularly if you deem it necessary to take time off work in order to recover.
Make sure that you are getting the medication you need
Pain management is vital in helping you to continue working and completing daily tasks. By talking regularly with your doctor, you will be able to update your prescriptions as required.
Ask for reasonable adjustments
If your chronic pain is severe enough to be classed as a disability, you have the right to request reasonable adjustments to your work environment. These adjustments may include requesting regular breaks, having an adjusted seating arrangement to reduce the pain or changing your work responsibilities to avoid tasks that worsen your pain.
Don’t be afraid to assert your rights
If you believe that the nature of your job contributed in any way to the pain you are suffering, it is important that you take action and claim the workers’ compensation that you deserve. If you are unsure whether you qualify for workers’ compensation in California, you should conduct thorough research to understand the law.