From the Guidelines
Electrical technicians with back pain and radiculopathy should remain active and return to normal work activities as soon as possible, with modifications to avoid exacerbating their condition.
Work Modifications
- The evidence does not provide specific recommendations for modified work, but it suggests considering the patient's age, general health, and physical demands of the job tasks 1.
- Brief individualized educational interventions can reduce sick leave in workers with subacute low back pain, which may be beneficial for electrical technicians with back pain and radiculopathy 1.
- General advice is to remain active, which is more effective than resting in bed for patients with acute or subacute low back pain 1.
Self-Care Options
- Application of heat by heating pads or heated blankets can provide short-term relief of acute low back pain 1.
- A medium-firm mattress is more likely to lead to improvement in patients with chronic low back pain compared to a firm mattress 1. It is essential to note that the evidence is insufficient to guide specific recommendations for patients with acute radiculopathy or spinal stenosis, but applying principles similar to those used for nonspecific low back pain is a reasonable approach 1.
From the Research
Work Modifications for Electrical Technicians with Back Pain and Radiculopathy
To accommodate an electrical technician with back pain and radiculopathy, several work modifications can be considered:
- Adjusting work schedules to allow for regular breaks and flexibility in working hours 2
- Modifying job duties to reduce physical demands, such as lifting, bending, or standing for long periods 2, 3
- Providing ergonomic training and education to promote proper body posture and reduce the risk of further injury 3
- Implementing a "Back School" program, which includes active physical therapy methods, to reduce pain intensity and improve body posture 3
- Considering alternative work arrangements, such as working from home or adjusting the work environment to reduce physical demands 2
Key Considerations
When implementing work modifications, it is essential to consider the following:
- The extent of control the employee has over their hours and duties 2
- Colleague support and communication 2
- The employee's own beliefs and attitudes about working with back pain 2
- Access to occupational health services and expertise in modifying work for employees with back pain and radiculopathy 2, 4
Medical Management
In addition to work modifications, medical management of back pain and radiculopathy may include:
- Oral medications, such as acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs 5, 6
- Injection-based therapies, such as epidural steroid injections 5, 6
- Physical therapy and multidisciplinary rehabilitation programs 5, 4, 6
- Surgical evaluation, if necessary, for select patients with functional disabilities or refractory pain despite multiple nonsurgical treatments 5, 6