Work Related Back Injuries

When discussing injuries at work, the most prevalent issues are related to the neck and spine. As the core support mechanism, the spine serves as the most significant building block in the body. The Spine is a complex structure made up bony vertebrae and soft fluid-filled discs connected by numerous ligaments. This structure houses the spinal cord, which serves as the vital highway of information which travels from the brain to all vital organs and limbs.

Between every vertebrae there are small exits which allow tiny nerves leave the ‘highway’ and travel to and from the limbs and organs. Though the spine is a miraculous structure, by the time a person stops growing, it has already begun to deteriorate, requiring care and consideration to maintain spinal health.

Although back and neck injuries remain the number one cause of all work related injuries and subsequent disability, most of these injuries are preventable. Proper positioning, regular exercise, appropriate lifting techniques, and basic safety practices are among the usual means of preventing back and neck injury.

The leading type of back and neck injuries we encounter are those caused by repetitive motion wear and tear. The most common cascade of events begins when a person will start of with minor aches and pains in the musculature surrounding the spine. Though commonly disregarded as a temporary issue, or a ‘sign of getting older’, this should be taken as a warning sign of an eminent problem. If precautions are not taken to prevent further injury, the pain may become more severe and additional symptoms, such as numbness and tingling in the arms or legs may occur.

This progressive development of symptoms is typical of work related back and neck injuries. Sudden onset of leg and or arm tingling and numbness, without back or neck pain, is another symptom indicating a possible back injury. These injuries are primarily related to the herniated discs, which are between the bony vertebrae, and pressing on the nerves leaving the spinal canal.

Accidental falls from heights, particularly ladders or scaffolding, may also result in compression or burst fractures of otherwise normal vertebrae causing the onset of severe back pain with potential compromise to the integrity of the spinal canal. These injuries usually require long hospital stays and are many times present with other bone fractures and organ damage.

Conventionally, most of the injuries mentioned above were treated with variety of conservative measures. These include anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy and several pain management techniques. Typically, surgery was avoided at all cost. Often, a lengthy insurance company authorization process added to the difficulty of this process, and further delayed the worker from returning to his/her job. Recent advances in technology, both in medical devices applied to the spine, as well as surgical technique, have led to better results, with faster recovery time, and increased ability to return to normal activity.

With the success of this groundbreaking technology, an aggressive surgical approach to spinal disorders is no longer something patients need to fear. Even so, these newer techniques often require your surgeon and his/her team maintain a detailed understanding of the workers compensation process to ensure a swift treatment. When choosing your physician, be sure to inquire about their familiarity with these newer techniques, as well as the required insurance process to avoid delays in your treatment.