According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, if you have an injury to your spine, you might need to pay at least a million dollars over your lifetime. A spinal cord injury is one of the possible back injuries that can occur while at work. That means it is best to find out early on the severity of the damage so you can prevent it from getting worse. If you got injured at work, here’s what you should know about back injury and workers’ compensation.
Common Causes of Back Injuries at Work
There are many ways that a work-related lower back injury might occur. Different kinds of injuries could cause different types of pain. That might be permanent or temporary. Acute pain often lasts around three to six weeks before it goes away. It might happen immediately and be severe. Causes of back injuries at work could include incorrect lifting and poor mechanics.
What to Do After a Back Injury at Work
If you injured your back at work, it is recommended to see a doctor experienced in treating injured workers. Make sure that a healthcare professional you are seeing is an NYS Workers’ Compensation Board authorized provider. Only WCB authorized providers can treat injured workers in New York and have the treatment covered by workers comp insurance.
Best Back Pain Treatment Options
You might have researched “back injury at work: what to do.” Sometimes, the pain can get better on its own over a matter of months. However, each body is different, and back pain can be complicated. Many times, the pain will not go away on its own for a while. Some people have persistent pain.
Using over-the-counter medications and heat could reduce your discomfort. Still, it is often best to avoid bed rest since you will not be moving and worsen the pain. Try to maintain your daily activities as much as possible. You might choose to do some light exercise, like walking or stretching. Your doctor may recommend other treatments, like pain management, chiropractic care or physical therapy.
Who Pays for Treatment After Work-Related Injury?
If you have an injury at work in New York, you will be covered by workers’ compensation insurance. This type of insurance would offer medical benefits and wage replacement if you got injured during your time as an employee.
If you have a back injury at work, it is best to tell the employer immediately. If you experience a more gradual development in the injury, you will need to report it as soon as you realize it happened because of your work. You will then fill out documentation with your employer to file a claim. If the accident is severe and sudden, you might have to wait to fill out this form.
About Us
Serving Long Island, Oceanside, and Valley Stream NY communities and their surrounding areas, Comprehensive Healthcare Group (CHG), is a multi-specialty provider of health & rehabilitation services.
With over 20 years of history of treating injured workers in the Nassau County area, our expanded facility will provide service excellence.
The state-of-the-art healthcare services we provide include:
Schedule Your Appointment Today
If you have an injury, it is best to seek care as soon as possible. That way, you can reduce the chances of it negatively impacting your life. Schedule an appointment today with an experienced auto injury doctor near you. Our services are available from Monday through Friday.
We accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault insurance. To book your appointment, call our Oceanside, NY office at 516.764.7760 or our Valley Stream, NY office at 516.593.7990.
Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/back-pain/art-20044526
https://www.oip.com/chronic-back-pain-options-available/
https://perkinslawtalk.com/blog/how-back-injuries-cause-problems-returning-to-work/
