5 Questions with Dr. Tyndall: Back & Spine Health in the Workplace

1If an employee has a spine injury, does seeing a spine specialist mean they will need surgery?

Dr. Tyndall: Not at all. In fact, many back and neck conditions can be successfully treated without surgery. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include activity modification, medication, physical therapy, exercise, or other nonsurgical options.

Seeing a specialist is the most cost-effective way to treat work-related spine injuries because the specialist is able to make the most accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

The goal is to accurately identify the source of the problem and determine the most appropriate treatment. When an employee is injured, getting the right diagnosis and treatment plan can also help establish appropriate work restrictions and a safe path back to normal activity.

2What's one thing you wish every employer understood about back and spine health in the workplace?

Dr. Tyndall: Don't wait for back or neck discomfort to become disabling before addressing it. Encourage employees to report injuries and persistent symptoms early, and create a workplace where employees feel comfortable speaking up when something doesn't feel right.

Employers can also reduce risk by paying attention to ergonomics, safe lifting practices, repetitive tasks, and job demands. Addressing problems early can help employees recover safely, reduce unnecessary time away from work, and support a healthier, more productive workforce.

3What are the most common work-related back and spine problems you see, and what typically causes them?

Dr. Tyndall: Low back pain is one of the most common problems we see, but workplace-related spine issues can also include neck pain, muscle strains, disc problems, and pain that radiates into the arms or legs.

For employees with physically demanding jobs, injuries may result from lifting, bending, twisting, repetitive movements, or a slip or fall. But spine problems aren't limited to physical labor. Employees who spend long hours sitting at a desk, driving, or working at a computer can also develop back and neck pain related to posture, ergonomics, and prolonged periods in the same position.

4What can employers and employees do to help prevent back and neck injuries at work?

Dr. Tyndall: Good body mechanics and proper ergonomics can make a significant difference. Employees who lift regularly should be trained to use proper lifting techniques and equipment when appropriate. For office employees, workstation setup—including chair support, monitor height, and keyboard position—is important.

Movement matters, too. Changing positions, taking short movement breaks, and avoiding prolonged sitting or standing can help reduce stress on the spine. Employers can support these habits by making workplace safety and ergonomics part of the everyday culture.

5When should back or neck pain be evaluated instead of simply waiting for it to get better?

Dr. Tyndall: Many minor aches and strains improve with time, but certain symptoms deserve medical attention. Pain that is severe, persists or worsens, interferes with normal activities, or follows a significant workplace injury should be evaluated.

Employees should also seek medical attention for symptoms such as pain traveling into an arm or leg, numbness, tingling, or weakness. These can sometimes indicate nerve involvement and may require a more thorough evaluation.

About Dr. Tyndall

Dwight S. Tyndall, M.D., is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon specializing in the treatment of back, neck, and spine conditions. He has been practicing in the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana area for more than 20 years and joined Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute as a partner in 2021.

Employers, adjusters, and case managers: learn how Dr. Tyndall works with the workers’ compensation community on the Workers’ Comp Spine Care page, or see the plain-English spine terms reference for managing spine claims.