One of the most commonly asked questions by people who have suffered from a hernia is, when can I go back to work?Hernia surgery is invasive and does require sufficient recovery time. It is this fact that concerns many patients. Being out of work for an extended period of time can be taxing on ones financial situation, especially if the injury is not work related (i.e. workers compensation). However, returning to work too early is something you should never do. The reason why the hernia occurred in the first place is due to the muscular lining in your stomach being too thin. The internal organs bulge outward, which can cause considerable pain and complications associated with the digestive tract and other bodily functions.

The chances of another hernia occurring are high if proper care is not taken during recovery. You may be tempted to go back to work because you need the money, or you may think everything is fine because you feel ok. Dont make the mistake of returning too soon. It is always better to give your body the rest and recuperation it needs to heal. If you do not, you could potentially be looking at a long-term absence due to a more serious injury.

When can you return to work after a hernia surgery?

1.It depends on your job
2.1-6 weeks is the typical range
3.Minimize lifting at all times, even after returning to work

The determining factor for patients returning to work after they have had a hernia surgery is what occupation they are in. If you have a desk job, or one that requires performing sedentary work, you will likely be able to start working again soon. The action that causes a hernia to occur is heavy lifting, so if you are not performing duties that entail this, you should be fine. However, this does not mean that every office worker gets the green light. Your individual situation matters most; depending on the severity of the injury and the surgery itself, you may need more time. Be sure to consult with your doctor, as they will know what is best for you. If you work in a position that requires frequent lifting, especially of heavy objects, recovery time is going to obviously be much longer.

In general, the recommended wait time for patients returning to work is about 1-6 weeks. Bear in mind that this is a rule of thumb. It is not set in stone and should not be thought of as such. If your injury was minor, you may belong to the lucky few that can start working a week after surgery. However, most people will need more time than this. Even if you do not feel any extreme pain (like you did when the hernia occurred) when moving or lifting, it does not take long at all for a relapse to happen. After you have returned to work, it is always wise to employ preventative bodily maintenance. Minimize lifting when you can, and when you do, make sure to do so in proper form.