Workers Comp Back Injuries

The back/spine is one of the most used structures in the human body. It consists of a complex series of bony structures, discs, ligaments, muscles, tissues and nerves. Many times, through over-exertion or unexpected incidents, injury is caused to the spine. The most common workers comp back injuries occur when too much stress and pressure on the spine cause the discs between the bony structures in the spine to bulge and put pressure on the nerves running through the spine, causing pain.

Twisting while bearing weight and also improper lifting both can easily lead to a permanent back injury. It is very important to always protect your back, lift with your legs and wear a back brace. No one will think less of you.

If you do suffer a workers comp back injury, it is important to seek medical treatment right away. Many times, workers comp back injuries can lead to a deterioration of the spine, causing further permanent damage down the road including painful arthritis. it is imperative that you get medical care even if you feel fine shortly after the injury.

Many times, the beginning treatments through workers comp are simply inadequate to prevent lifelong injury. You need someone to fight for your health and good medical practitioners in your corner if you are going to try and recover from an injury. In addition to protecting yourself I will also help you determine if your injuries qualify for workers compensation benefits.

Back and Spinal Cord Anatomy 

The Central Nervous System (CNS) is comprised of the brain, neck and spinal cord, or spinal column. These structures connect at the base of the skull. The spinal cord is comprised of 4 sections. In descending order they are: the Cervical Nerves (C),Thoracic Nerves (T), Lumbar Nerves (L) & Sacral Nerves (S). The spine connects the nervous system to various other systems within the body and is responsible for things such as muscle control, motor skills and cognitive functions. An injury to the spinal column can potentially impair the overall quality of life of the victim. An accident injuring the spinal cord can induce common signs & symptoms including numbness, tingling & shooting pains in the corresponding extremities, appendages as well as digits/fingers. Many times these signs & symptoms occur sometime after the accident. This is where the knowledge and expertise of a skilled, experienced Irvine California Workers Compensation Lawyer will be of great benefit to you.

If you have sustained a back injury at work or on a job site it is absolutely in your best interest to call me, Newport Beach California Workers Compensation Lawyer Shaun Cunningham. My entire practice is 100% focused on workers compensation litigation. Let me put my experience to work for you.

Spinal Column Sections: 

The Central Nervous System (CNS) is comprised of the brain, neck and spinal cord, or spinal column. These structures connect at the base of the skull. The spinal cord is comprised of 4 sections. In descending order they are: the Cervical Nerves (C),Thoracic Nerves (T), Lumbar Nerves (L) & Sacral Nerves (S). The spine connects the nervous system to various other systems within the body and is responsible for things such as muscle control, motor skills and cognitive functions. An injury to the spinal column can potentially impair the overall quality of life of the victim. An accident injuring the spinal cord can induce common signs & symptoms including numbness, tingling & shooting pains in the corresponding extremities, appendages as well as digits/fingers. Many times these signs & symptoms occur sometime after the accident. This is where the knowledge and expertise of a skilled, experienced Irvine California Workers Compensation Lawyer will be of great benefit to you.

If you have sustained a back injury at work or on a job site it is absolutely in your best interest to call me, Newport Beach California Workers Compensation Lawyer Shaun Cunningham. My entire practice is 100% focused on workers compensation litigation. Let me put my experience to work for you.

Spinal Column Sections: 

C-Spine supplies movement & sensation to the arms, neck & upper trunk

T-Spine innervates the trunk and the abdomen

L-Spine & S-Spine supply nervous tissue to the legs, bladder, bowels as well as sexual organs

Common Causes of Back Injuries At Work

Incorrect lifting techniques

Work related car accidents

Construction site accidents

Injuries in the workplace such as slipping and falling

Blunt Trauma

Assault

Diagnosing a Back Injury

Diagnosing a minor back injury can sometimes be as simple as a discussion with the injured party where they subjectively describe what happened to them and where the pain is.  Other methods of diagnosing neck and back injuries is through the use of injection therapy such as epidural shots where an anti-inflammatory steroid is injected into the inflamed area. Determining the extent of a more severe back injury frequently involves the use of diagnostic technologies such as an MRI or CAT scan. These help to objectively determine the level of damage to the spinal cord and its surrounding tissue. Unfortunately a back injury does not always present itself right away. The symptoms are not always acute and may take some time to develop. However, the sooner the appropriate tests can be performed the sooner an appropriate treatment plan can be prescribed and the sooner the injured party will feel relief and be able to return to their daily lives.

Common Treatment of Back Injuries

Treating a back injury frequently requires a conservative treatment plan. It may involve an evaluation by an orthopedist and a physical therapy referral. Often times back injuries improve over time. Others may require medication & pain management as well as injections such as epidural shots & inflammation therapy. More severe neck & back injuries such as pinched nerves or herniated discs may require surgery to relieve the pressure to the damaged discs. This in turn may help to relieve the injured parties pain symptoms.

Spinal Disc Injuries 

Herniated & bulging discs are serious and painful conditions that cause significant pain & limit mobility. Many times they are referred to as a pinched nerve, bulging disc, ruptured disc or a slipped disc. Spinal disc damage exerts tremendous pressure on nerves within the spinal column. This pressure is directly responsible for any pain, numbness or tingling in the extremities the injured victim feels after the injury occurred. The section of the spine ( C, T, L or S) the ruptured disc is located determines where any pain or irritation is experienced as each section innervates a different area of the body.

If you work in Orange County, California and have suffered any type of workplace injury you need skilled legal counsel to protect your rights. Do not hesitate to contact me, Aliso Viejo California Workers Comp Lawyer Shaun Cunningham by dialing (949) 391-3725.

I offer free consultations to injured workers in Orange County.