What Types Of Back Injuries Does Workers’ Compensation Cover?

When it comes to accidents in the workplace, back injuries are prevalent among employees no matter where they work. Back injuries are often painful and long-lasting and can happen in just about any work environment. Whether your pain is sharp and stabbing or dull and achy, these types of symptoms can make it extremely difficult to focus on work or even continue working at all. In this article, we will discuss a few common back injuries that people often get on the job that is covered by workers’ compensation.

Lower back sprains and strains

Lower back sprains and strains are the most common causes of back pain and are also common workplace injuries that are covered by workers’ compensation insurance. Ensure to make an appointment with a WCB-authorized doctor who accepts workers’ comp insurance and is experienced in treating injured workers. 

Strains are caused when muscles are abnormally stretched or torn, and sprains are caused when ligaments are torn from their attachments. Both sprain and strain injuries can be caused by a sudden accident or have the ability to develop over time. 

Employees may succumb to back strain injuries by twisting or pulling a muscle or tendon, using improper lifting techniques, or overstressing the back muscles. Long-term or chronic strains are also common after extended repetitive motions of the muscles or tendons. On the other hand, back sprains commonly happen after a sudden twist or blow to the body that causes the joint to be knocked out of its normal position. 

Symptoms of back sprains and strains are often similar, including pain that gets worse with movement, muscle cramping or spasms, and a decreased range of motion. 

Pinched nerve

Having a pinched nerve can be a severe and often debilitating injury. If an employee suffers from a pinched nerve injury at the workplace, they will be eligible to file for workers’ compensation to receive the necessary benefits for recovery. Pinched nerves can happen as a result of a variety of workplace injuries. For example, if excessive force has been placed on the nerve by surrounding bones, muscles, or tendons, it could become pinched. Performing repetitive motion over a prolonged period of time is another way an employee can pinch a nerve. 

While pinched nerves often heal on their own after a few days of resting the affected area of the body, it is still essential to seek medical attention to ensure a safe recovery. When left untreated, continual pressure on that area can end up causing permanent nerve damage. Therefore, if you have been in a workplace accident and are feeling symptoms such as burning, numbness, pins and needles, sharp pain, tingling, and weakness in a certain area of your body, you should have the area evaluated as soon as possible to avoid worsening of the injury.

Herniated disc injury

The spine has small discs between the vertebrae that each have a soft nucleus and protective covering. When that protective covering gets torn, the nucleus comes through and puts pressure on the nerves in the spine -causing a herniated disc. While this type of injury typically happens due to aging, it is also possible to occur after a workplace injury. If you have suffered from a herniated disc injury at the workplace, you will be eligible to receive compensation. First, however, it is crucial to report the injury and see an experienced workers’ compensation doctor in Brooklyn as soon as possible.

Any immediate injury to the back can cause a herniated disc injury. Common workplace accidents that may cause a herniated disc include slip and falls, lifting heavy objects, or prolonged repetitive motion. Herniated discs will often cause people to feel pain and numbness in one side of the body, pain that extends to the arms and legs, pain that worsens with movement, and muscle weakness.

Schedule an Appointment with Metro Healthcare Partners NYC

If you have suffered from a workplace injury, do not wait to seek medical attention. Metro Healthcare Partners is a multi-disciplinary medical clinic located in Brooklyn, NY. We accept workers’ compensation insurance and our doctors by the NYS Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) to treat injured workers. Our team includes board-certified specialists, including orthopedists, neurologists, physical therapists, chiropractors, pain management specialists, and more. If you seek medical attention after a workplace accident, we encourage you to contact our offices today to schedule an appointment.