Neck and back injuries are among the most common, and at times the most chronic and disabling, of all injuries that workers suffer on-the-job. Doctors typically refer to the neck and back as the cervical, thoracic, lumbar or lumbosacral spine.
Back injuries and neck injuries vary from mild, short-term injuries (often called strains and sprains or whiplash injuries) that cause aches, pains and stiffness to herniated disks and bulging disks to life-changing fractures and other spinal cord injuries. These injuries can happen simply by lifting something, or while pushing, pulling, or bending. The could also be the result of a motor vehicle accident or a slip and fall, or from a construction accident.
Some neck and back injuries can nerve damage and sciatica. When neck and back injuries become chronic, they may lead to long-term or permanent disability. Serious neck and back injuries may require injections or spine surgery such as fusions or laminectomies, followed by lengthy periods of physical therapy and rehabilitation. Whatever the cause, workers who suffer on-the-job neck and back injuries are entitled to workers' compensation benefits. Employers and insurance companies often dispute these injuries, claiming that the injured employees are not entitled to benefits because there is either nothing wrong or that they are able to go back to work without any restrictions.
If you have suffered a work-related neck or back injury, you need an attorney who is familiar with these conditions and has represented numerous workers who have suffered from them.