Cervical Disc Replacement and Missouri Workers’ Compensation

Neck injury from a work-related accident is common, and cervical disc replacement is an accepted form of treatment when a person has not responded to non-surgical treatment options.

Cervical discs are small cushions that lie in between the neck’s vertebrae. Of all the vertebrae in the spinal column, the cervical vertebrae are the thinnest and can be easily hurt. These are delicate structures that can be damaged from trauma, causing intense pain that can radiate through the arm. Cervical disc replacement is a medical procedure that replaces a damaged disc and replaces a traditionally manufactured one. This is a surgery recommended for a person when other traditional therapies are ineffective at relieving the pain.

Neck injuries from work-related accidents are common, and cervical disc replacement is an accepted form of treatment when a physician finds that the incident damaged a disc. If the employer-recommended physician has claimed you have reached maximum medical improvement without recommending cervical disc replacement and are still in pain, contact the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann.

Who Benefits From Cervical Disc Replacement?

Missouri employees suffering from a cervical disc hernia after a trauma to the neck could benefit from cervical disc replacement. A herniated disc occurs when the small pouch bulges or breaks open from a trauma to the neck. This could arise from a fall from a high elevation, blunt force trauma to the neck region, or a car accident. You might experience pain or weakness in the neck and shoulders, which could also radiate to the chest and hands. If you experience any of these symptoms after an accident at work, immediately seek medical assistance.

Diagnosing Cervical Disc Hernia

Initial Diagnosis:

• Physical exam.
• Doctor’s inquiries regarding symptoms like pain or numbness.

Initial Treatments:

• Therapy and rest are often prescribed initially.

Further Assessment:

• If no improvement is observed, an imaging test is ordered to evaluate the injury’s extent.

Consideration of Surgery:

• Based on further assessments, cervical disc replacement may be recommended if appropriate.

Managing Ongoing Pain and Legal Assistance

Situation After Reaching Maximum Medical Improvement:

• Sometimes, even after reaching maximum medical improvement, surgery might not be recommended despite ongoing pain and discomfort.

Seeking Further Help:

• If considering a second opinion or needing approval for surgery from workers’ compensation insurance:
  • Contact James M. Hoffmann for legal assistance.

Legal Support Offered:

• The law office of James M. Hoffmann specializes in handling Missouri workers’ compensation claims.
• Strives to provide every injured employee with optimal medical care.

Cervical Disc Replacement and Workers’ Compensation

Someone injured at work must speak to a workers’ compensation lawyer to understand their legal rights and options. Attorney James M. Hoffmann can be contacted for a free consultation about the case. He can help the injured worker get the compensation benefits to which they are entitled. There are no upfront fees; he only gets paid if the worker recovers. He can also analyze the case to determine if the worker can file a personal injury claim.

Attorney Hoffmann and his legal team have a strong track record of helping injured workers get the medical attention and financial compensation they need. Anyone in St. Louis, Missouri, can contact their worker’s compensation law firm to ensure that their rights are protected. They can call (314) 361-4300 or complete the Online Case Evaluation Form.