HEALTH & WELLNESS
When it comes to pain,
toughing it out is risky
Trust the signals your body is sending
Dr. Robert Kayal answers questions law enforce-
ment officers have about assessing the pain they
are experiencing.
After chasing down and handcuffing a suspect, I
have this throbbing pain in my lower back. I al-
ways try to tough it out, but am I doing the right
thing?
Law enforcement officers are known for their
DR. ROBERT
KAYAL
gritty determination and never-say-die attitudes.
These qualities help you perform your job at an
extremely high level, and we are grateful for your
commitment and dedication to protecting us. However, there
are times when perseverance is more harmful than helpful —
even for law enforcement officers. One of those situations is
when you are experiencing pain.
How do I know when to power through and when to seek med-
ical help?
Pain is your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong.
When the pain is severe, grows worse over time or affects your
day-to-day activities, you should consult your doctor.
Even with these guidelines, however, it can be a difficult
decision. Back pain is a prime example because it’s extremely
common. If your back pain is moderate to severe or has last-
ed two weeks or more, you should make an appointment with
your family physician or your orthopedist. You should also visit
your doctor if you experience numbness or weakness in your
legs along with the back pain. When your back pain is accompa-
nied by bowel or bladder problems, your nerves could be com-
pressed. You s