What to do if you have really really bad back pain at work that requires standing for 9 hours?

[Anonymous]

I'm in college so I work part time. For my part time job I work as a cashier and I work Saturday and Sunday's for 9 hours each day but the thing is my back hurts a lot like a lot lot out of 10 it hurts 11/10. It hurts to the point I can't even move or do anyfninf and it feels like I'm getting stabbed and j just wanna go die. The thing is because of the pain I sometimes lean on the counter when there's no customers because that helps a bit but then my supervisor sees that and she complains and tells me not to do it and if I do it again i could get fired and stuff. So I try not to do it but it honestly kills. What should I do? I'm not overweight by the way I do go to the gym like everyday. The back pain only occurs when standing for a long time (at work). I don't know what to do :( should I just keep taking both aleve and tylnoel everyday? (Both at the same time)

[AlphaMale1]

I have chronic lower back pain. It has changed my world. Here is what I have learned on how to deal with it.
Sitting is the hardest thing I can do. I have learned to live my life by only sitting when necessary, like driving a vehicle.
I spend a lot of time lying down. It removes the effect of gravity pushing down on my spine and gives the inflammation time to heal.
Swimming is by far the best exercise to strengthen the back, especially the lower back.

You may be developing a possible back problem that could haunt you later in life. My back problem began at age 14. As time passed it very gradually got worse until I was forced to walk away from a $70,000 plus job that had the worlds greatest benefits. My back doctor would not remove the lifting restrictions. Long story. I had no choice but to go on disability.

If your back is bothering you this much at your age I know what you are going through. I also know where it is going to lead later in your life if you ignore it and keep irritating it. I do sincerely hope you find a way to get past your current situation.

[fiego]

Can you stand on a padded floor? For example, bring in a mat to stand on

[Asker]

I don't know if we're allowed to do that tho unless I maybe go to the Doctors and I have a note that says that the doctor recommends to do that

[AlphaMale1]

By law your employer has to accommodate you if the work causes you discomfort. My last employer knew I had a bad back. They had my desk area professionally evaluated and I ended up with my desk being elevated a couple inches and they provided me with a really comfortable desk chair that cost them around $1,300. I don't pretend to know the laws about this. I do know they have to accommodate you under certain conditions. If you get fired over this I would not hesitate to talk to a lawyer who offers the first consultation for free.

[Asker]

@AlphaMale1 I never have back pain when I'm sitting tho so if they by law have to accommodate me if my back pain really hurts and I get a doctors note is there any way I can get a chair at my cash register? Because it doesn't hurt when it sit for some reason it's only when I stand for a long time :( and I live in Canada Ontario by the way so I don't know if it applies there too

[Asker]

@AlphaMale1 I'll probably only have this job for hopefully about 2 more years because I'll be done college In 2 years so after that I plan to get my career job 😊 but I just don't know how to deal with it till then

[fiego]

You should formally notify your employer so they can help you out

[AlphaMale1]

I strongly agree. Contact them in writing so there is proof with a paper trail. Keep your copy.

[anon567]

I mean, if I were you I'd start looking for an alternative job. That sounds super painful. You could be doing something way easier on your back you know? Try searching for other part time job options.

[Asker]

What type of jobs should I look for?

[anon567]

Hmmm maybe something thay doesn't require standing as much. Like maybe you can work in a profs office? or like anything at a desk? maybe at the library?