Answers to the Common Questions on Back Pain at Work

Managing back pain while staying in or returning to work.

Key takeaways

• Fit note: can say "may be fit for work" with adjustments
• Employer duty: reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010
• Most useful single change: Ask about a phased return or modified duties rather than full absence.
• Commonest mistake: Extended complete rest away from work.
• See a doctor if any of the signs under "When to speak to a doctor" below apply to you.

What is Back Pain at Work?

Managing back pain while staying in or returning to work.

Why does it matter?

Staying in work is generally better for recovery than being off, and adjustments are usually simpler than a full sign-off.

Fit note for Back Pain at Work?

Can say "may be fit for work" with adjustments.

Employer duty for Back Pain at Work?

Reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010.

Long-term absence for Back Pain at Work?

Associated with poorer recovery.

What is the single most useful thing to do?

Ask about a phased return or modified duties rather than full absence.

What is the most common mistake?

Extended complete rest away from work.

When should I see a doctor?

Seek emergency care for numbness around the genitals or back passage, bladder or bowel changes, or weakness in both legs. See a GP urgently for back pain with fever, unexplained weight loss, a history of cancer, or pain worse at night and not relieved by lying down.

Where to go next

• The Short Guide to Back Pain at Work
• The Evidence on Back Pain at Work, Without the Hype
• Back Pain at Work — the reference entry
• The Evidence on Back Pain in Older Adults, Without the Hype
• Physiotherapy: Sorting the Evidence From the Noise

When to speak to a doctor

Seek emergency care for numbness around the genitals or back passage, bladder or bowel changes, or weakness in both legs. See a GP urgently for back pain with fever, unexplained weight loss, a history of cancer, or pain worse at night and not relieved by lying down.

Where this comes from

• NICE — Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s
• Health and Safety Executive — musculoskeletal disorders

How this page was put together

Every figure, recommendation and warning above is taken from the guidance named in Where this comes from. Nothing on this page is inferred, summarised or generalised beyond what those bodies publish: where they give a number, it is their number, and where they are silent, so are we. Pages are rebuilt whenever the underlying record changes. Sign-off by a named clinician, where it has happened, is shown at the top of the page along with the date.

Medical disclaimer

This article is general information, not medical advice. It cannot account for your own history, medication or circumstances. Always speak to a GP, pharmacist or another qualified health professional before making changes that affect your treatment, and never delay seeking medical advice because of something you have read here. In an emergency, call 999.