When You Injure Your Back At Work
Have you suffered a back injury at work? Back injuries are among the most common of workplace injuries. If you were hurt at work, workers’ compensation would allow you to seek treatment without paying out of your pocket. The right treatment will alleviate pain, restore function, and enable you to get back to work.
Common Causes for Back Injuries at Work
Your back is in the line of fire every time you go to work. It is easy to injure your back at work, and quick treatment is the key to your recovery.
At work, lifting heavy objects is a common cause of back injuries. When you lift something heavy, it puts force on your back and that extra force can cause back injuries. Repetitive motions can also cause back injuries. For example, if you have to twist your spine to the left or right every day as a part of your job. The repetitive motion puts added stress on your back which can cause injury. Likewise, inactivity can also lead to a back injury. For instance, sitting at your desk for hours each day, your back can begin to hurt. Over time, that pain will get worse and worse until you have a serious injury.
These are just a few of the ways you can hurt your back at work.
Diagnosing Back Injuries
When you make a workers’ compensation claim, for treatment, you will have to go to a doctor who is an authorized WCB medical provider. It’s important to find a doctor who is experienced in treating workers compensation injuries. Your doctor will begin by diagnosing the injury. First, the doctor will talk to you to find out how you injured your back. Then, the doctor will use diagnostic tools to take a closer look at the injury. The tools might include an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan. The doctor will read the images provided and make a diagnosis.
Treating Back Injuries
In Indiana, workers compensation insurance should pay for your treatment, when submitted properly. Treatment will depend on the nature of your back injury. Your doctor might prescribe muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatory medications. Some medications may be injected into the back to reduce the swelling and pain. When a doctor elects to do this, it is to provide faster pain relief to the injured area or as a diagnostic tool.
It’s also likely you will need some level of physical therapy. PT will use exercises to improve your flexibility, strength, and range of motion. Also, they will likely use ultrasounds, electrical stimulation, heat, massage, or other therapies to try to alleviate your pain. These therapies work to improve circulation. Increase blood flow to the injury, and speed up the healing process.
Seeking Treatment for Your On-the-job Injury
If you have suffered an injury at work, follow your company’s protocol for reporting it. You will likely have to report it to a supervisor within 30 days of your injury. Your supervisor will file a workers’ compensation claim and then you can seek treatment. Choose a provider who takes workers’ compensation claims so you won’t have to pay out of pocket. Then, you can begin healing and rehabbing your injury. It won’t be long before you are back on the job.