When back pain suddenly hits, you may find yourself having difficulty getting out of bed. The simple tasks of the day are painful and impossible.
With no apparent cause of the pain, you are not sure how to proceed. The doctor you seek for help suggests the injury relates to the work you perform. Is a back injury with no ensuing accident covered under workers’ compensation? An overt act is not the only cause of back injuries among workers.
Lumbar issues
Some jobs require you to perform the same movements throughout the day. Squatting, reaching, twisting and bending are a few ways your back may become injured. The lumbar spine or low back is particularly susceptible to repetitive motion injuries, including:
- Muscle sprain
- Tendon tears
- Ligament degeneration
Sitting for hours a day places pressure on the lumbar spine, as does the use of heavy machinery that produces vibrations.
Disc injuries
The spinal column consists of vertebrae and soft tissue known as discs. These two elements work together to protect the delicate cord and allow a wide range of movement. Discs act as buffers and keep the vertebrae from rubbing against each other during movement. Over time, however, the tissue in the discs may wear out, especially if you perform a particularly laborious job every day. When the discs start to wear, they may tear or bulge, causing pain and discomfort. If a disc protrudes into the spinal cord, the results may prove catastrophic.
Back injuries may require a longer course of therapy and treatment to resolve. Even then, you may suffer permanent damage. You have the right to pursue a workers’ compensation claim if the issue relates to your job.
