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Returning to Work After Back Surgery

Back injuries can often be repaired through surgery, however, the surgery can also give you a longer-than-expected vacation from work. There are a variety of factors that determine your ability to return to work after undergoing back surgery, all of which are tailored to each individual and decided upon by your doctor.

  1. Your Job

    • The type of work you do plays a vital role in determining how quickly you can return to work after surgery. If you have a job that requires heavy lifting and is physically demanding, you will most likely be out of work longer than someone who has a desk job.

    Your Level of Pain

    • Back surgery is often accompanied by some degree of aches and pains; for some people, muscle spasms are also common. If your pain is debilitating enough to prevent you from moving or standing for any great length of time, you should reconsider your decision to return to work.

      In addition, your doctor may prescribe you painkillers to help relieve your discomfort, allowing you to rest so you can heal. Many times, these medications can cause you to become drowsy, making it unsafe for you to drive or operate heavy machinery. Until you no longer need these medications, it is unlikely you will be released to return to work.

    Your Recovery

    • In most cases, your doctor will want to see you periodically after your surgery to check your progress and to ensure you are healing properly. He will most likely examine the area of your back that required the surgery to determine if the problem was corrected or if you may require further treatment such as physical therapy. Your ability to return to work will be based largely on what he finds during his examination. If your back is not completely healed, you are at an increased risk of injuring it again.

    Your Employer

    • Regardless of whether or not you agree with your doctor's decision, your employer has a say in your returning to work. Most employers will require a release from your doctor stating you are able to perform your job duties without restrictions. If you cannot present this to them, chances are they will not take you back. This is to protect themselves; allowing you to return without the OK from your doctor, leaves them open to liability if you re-injure yourself.

    The Type of Surgery

    • The type of surgery you have undergone is another determining factor. Minimally invasive procedures may allow you to begin working within one to two weeks of having the surgery, while more serious surgeries, such as fusions, may require you to be out for a month or longer.

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