| Back Injuries |
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Information on this page is not intended as a substitute for a medical evaluation by a qualified provider. Back Injuries Back injures can seriously undermine a worker’s physical abilities and they can take months – or even years – to fully heal. They can affect the livelihoods of people in many different types of professions. Back injuries can mean lifting and pushing restrictions, as well as limited twisting, bending and stooping. A plumber, for example, might be unable to crawl under a house to fix the plumbing or HVAC. It also can affect a person’s ability to lift or push heavy objects (such as a medical cart in a hospital). Many with back injuries have trouble bending or stooping for extensive periods of time (such as a housekeeper or certified nursing assistant (CNA) who can no longer make beds). People with back injuries might also require frequent changes in position due to an inability to sit or stand comfortably. This can affect workers who can’t work standing up or take frequent breaks, such as production data entry and telemarketing specialists. One of the most common back injuries is a disc problem – such as a herniated (slipped or ruptured) disc. Many different injury processes can affect the vertebrae. These problems can be difficult to diagnose and rely greatly on the opinion of the physician. The most common means of diagnosis is the MRI scan. Some spine surgeons want a diskogram or myelogram performed to confirm an MRI finding prior to giving a surgical recommendation. The process of diagnosis can be long and difficult, and things are often made worse by insurance carriers who deny tests and treatments. In addition, it is a misconception that a worker had to be pain free prior to the injury to have a valid claim. Carriers will often deny claims based on a preexisting condition or words to that effect. A Workers’ Compensation lawyer can help with these issues. Herniated (ruptured, bulging or slipped) discs: Between each bone in the spine (vertebra) lies a disc made up of cartilage which cushions against shock and provides flexibility. The disc has a strong outer layer and a soft jelly-like inner layer. When a disc ruptures or herniates, the jelly-like layer leaks out or “bulges” through a weak area in the outer layer. Sometimes the disc will press on the nerves in the spinal column, causing pain and, in some cases, nerve damage. Symptoms may include pain and weakness where the disc ruptured. Loss of bladder/bowel control, while rare, also can occur. Herniated discs in the neck area will sometimes cause pain and numbness or tingling in the back of the skull, neck, scapula (shoulder blade), shoulder, arm and hand. Low back (lumbar spine) injuries can cause radiating pain, tingling and numbness in the buttocks, legs and feet, a condition sometimes called sciatica. It is the most common symptom of a herniated disc in that region. Diagnostic tools include x-rays, scans, MRIs, discograms and myelograms (a special x-ray of the spinal canal). Common treatment includes bed rest, physical therapy and over-the-counter and prescription medications, such as epidural steroid or cortisone injections. In more serious cases, surgery is an alternative. Surgical options include:
Our Workers’ Compensation lawyers may be able to help you obtain a medical provider of your choice, as well as help to ensure you receive all of the workers’ compensation benefits you may be entitled . Information sources: WebMD, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Spine Universe (an affiliate of the Everyday Health Network) |
