Common Back Injuries in Workers’ Comp Claims

The most common types of back injuries that occur in the workplace include disc problems, degenerative joint disease, sciatica, and spinal stenosis.

Almost every adult suffers from back pain at least occasionally, but severe back injuries that limit a person’s ability to work are another matter entirely. These injuries can cause chronic pain, the kind that does not go away if you just take a few days off to rest. Back injuries can require surgeries, physical therapy, and medication, and even with these treatments, you might not get back to a condition where you can go back to your physically demanding job. Even though it is your employer’s responsibility to pay for the treatment of all work-related injuries, employers sometimes balk at having to pay for the expensive treatments associated with back injuries. The Omaha workers’ compensation lawyers at Andres Law Offices, PC LLO can help you resolve disputes with your employer about workers’ compensation claims related to back injuries.

Disorders and Injuries of the Intervertebral Discs

The intervertebral discs are the soft tissues between the vertebrae (the bones of the spine), which create joints and enable you to stand up straight and to move. These discs are vulnerable to injury and dysfunction. These are some common problems with intervertebral discs which work accidents and repetitive strain can cause or aggravate:

Herniated disc, also known as slipped disc or ruptured disc
Infectious discitis
Degenerative disc disease

These conditions can cause chronic back pain, as well as pain, numbness, or tingling in the legs.

Degenerative Joint Disease

Degenerative joint disease can result from trauma to the cartilage on top of the spinal bones. In addition to pain and stiffness, swelling of the arms or legs can also be a symptom of degenerative joint disease.

Sciatica

Sciatica is pain in the area of the sciatic nerve, so it starts in the lower back and radiates down one or both legs. Herniated discs are the most common cause of sciatica, and spinal stenosis is the second most common cause.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is when the spinal canal is narrower than normal, causing pressure on the nerves. Its main symptom is pain, especially when standing. The most common work-related cause of spinal stenosis is traumatic accidents that result in injury to the spine. Other causes of spinal stenosis include aging and having been born with a naturally narrow spinal canal.

All of these back problems, if they are severe enough, can render you permanently unable to do a job that requires standing for long periods of time or heavy lifting. If your back injury is work-related, your lawyer can help you exercise your right to collect workers’ compensation benefits.

An Omaha workers’ compensation lawyer can help you if you have suffered a herniated disc or other back injury as a result of a work injury or repetitive strain related to your job. Contact Andres Law Offices, PC LLO in Omaha, Nebraska about your case.