Back Injury

How Soon Can I Return to Work After a Lower Back Injury?

December 30, 2019 By James Hoffmann Leave a Comment

If you are experiencing ongoing pain and/or other symptoms, this can make it difficult for your doctor to approve your returning to work.

Even after receiving good medical treatment, many people experience lingering pain and problems after suffering a back injury in the workplace. Many back injuries require an employee to take time off from work so that the injury can heal properly.

While workers’ compensation benefits cover a portion of lost wages, an injured worker may be anxious to get back to their job as soon as possible. These benefits will usually only cover around 66% of lost wages, and that gap in wages may strain the finances of the worker and their family.

If you have injured you back at work, you may be anxious to know when you’ll be able to return. To answer this, your treating doctor will probably consider your work status and restrictions at each of your doctors visits. If you are experiencing ongoing pain and/or other symptoms, this can make it difficult for your doctor to approve your returning to work.

It Depends on Your Injury

“Back injury” is a rather vague term that can refer to a variety of different conditions. There are three possible types of injuries:

Soft tissue injuries, when the muscles or nerves surrounding the lower back are affected
Spine injuries, meaning the bones are affected
Herniated discs

All these injuries can have different symptoms and require their own unique course of treatment. Some lower back injuries allow the worker to be mobile and only cause pain when certain actions are performed, while others may require bed rest and physical therapy to treat.

Based on the type of lower back injury, you can also find out the treatment timeline, which can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, possibly more. If adequate treatment is not offered, damage may even be permanent.

You Can Return to Work While Still Being Treated

Most people think they will return to work once they are completely healed of their lower back injury, but that’s not always the case. It is possible for your doctor to clear you for light work, even if your injury is not completely healed.

In these cases, you can return to your job on a slightly modified position that can accommodate your condition. For instance, if your doctor says you can work, but should not stay on your feet for long hours, your employer may offer a desk job until you are completely healed, or allow you to take more breaks to rest.

However, keep in mind that your doctor may not completely be aware of what your job requires, and how it can strain your lower back. They can look at your condition and see that it is healing nicely, and recommend you for light work, but even that modified activity can be strenuous. Talk to your doctor and explain exactly what your job entails to avoid getting clear for work too soon.

Talk to a Work Injury Attorney

If you have injured your back at work, contact a St. Louis Work Injury Attorney to help you with your claim. The Law Office of James M. Hoffmann specializes in representing injured workers. When we take your case, we make recovering benefits for you our priority, and we put decades of experience, a proven record of success and a client-focused approach behind your workers’ compensation case.

Have you been injured in an accident?
Call (314) 361-4300.
Free Missouri Workers’ Compensation Consultation!

Recognizing the Signs of Work-Related Lower Back Pain and Getting Treatment

October 4, 2019 By James Hoffmann Leave a Comment

Back pain is one of the most common reasons people miss work or file workers compensation claims.

At some point, everyone has probably experienced back pain. It’s actually one of the most common reasons why people might have to miss work and a common claim in workers’ compensation.

Some may think that back pain is eligible for workers’ compensation only when it’s the result of a fall or a direct blow to the area. However, this is not always the case. Back pain can be the result of years of heavy lifting and performing tasks that can be bad for your spine or posture, which is why it’s so important to know the signs and get help fast. Otherwise, your condition can get much worse.

What Are the Signs?

If you experience some back discomfort or mild pain after a pretty hard day at work, it doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong. Maybe you just pushed too much that day, and need some time to recover. However, if the symptoms linger even after a good night’s rest, something else may be going on.

Here are some common symptoms of back pain:

Muscle aching
Pain that goes down the leg
Shooting or stabbing pain
Pain that prevents you from or worsens when you bend, lift, walk, or stand

In some cases, back pain may even cause additional health issues, which are common results from not getting medical attention as soon as you feel something is wrong. For instance, you could spike a fever, experience leg weakness or tingling, weight loss, or even have bowel/bladder issues. These are all issues that can affect your overall health, meaning it’s incredibly important not to ignore back pains and see your doctor.

Getting Compensated

Unless you need immediate medical attention (like after a fall, or a direct blow to the back), you should notify your employer of your back pain and file an official claim for compensation. In Missouri, your employer has the right to choose your treating doctor, so you generally can’t see your own physician and then have the insurance company reimburse the costs of medical bills.

Even if there was no accident to cause the pain, the work environment could have lead to the back pains, in which case your injury is still eligible for compensation. In some cases, the insurance company may require extra proof to be convinced the injury is indeed work-related. To make things easier, you should speak with an experienced St. Louis workers comp attorney as soon as possible.

Why Do You Need a Lawyer?

Though it’s not mandatory, it is advised to work with a St. Louis work injury lawyer when filing a claim. You never know how the insurance company may try to fight the claim and get it denied, and a lawyer can help you make sure the costs of your medical bills are covered as the law says it should. Additionally, an experienced attorney can even help speed the process. Give us a call 24/7 at (314) 361-4300 for a FREE case evaluation.

Filing for Missouri Workers Comp After a Back Injury

August 6, 2019 By James Hoffmann 1 Comment

Back injuries are the second most common workplace injury, according to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OHSA).

The most common work related back injuries include:

Lower back strain
Pinched nerves
Fractured vertebrae
Bulging, herniated, and slipped discs
Spinal cord damage

The majority of work related back injuries are caused by twisting or over-extension of the spine due to pulling, pushing, heavy lifting, or poor posture. Work-related back injuries are often painful and require prolonged treatment and involve long recovery periods.

Causes of Back Pain

Back pain caused by a workplace injury can have various causes. It can occur from a single act such as lifting a heavy box or from persistent and gradual strain on the spinal disks, muscles or ligaments. Repetitive motion such as pulling, pushing, lifting, loading and poor posture too can cause the back to become strained.

Acute and Chronic Back Pain

Acute back pain is the one that comes quickly and diminishes within 3-6 weeks. It may be excruciating, but it is temporary. On the other hand, chronic back pain lasts for more than six weeks and may be present for years and even a lifetime. Our spinal column is made of 24 moving and 9 fused vertebrae. Each of the moving vertebrae is line by a disc that acts as a cushion. The discs are filled with fluid and work as shock absorbers. A work-related back injury can case one of the disks to herniate, and without the disks the vertebrae rub against each other causing inflammation of the spinal nerves and intense pain. Another type of back injury results when the ligaments of dense tissue that keep the spinal column in place and allow it to twist and bend get damaged due to overextension. The ligaments can tear or stretch out of place causing intense pain and discomfort. The sides of the vertebrae are lined by muscles that extend up and down the spinal column. These muscles help in pulling, pushing and lifting heavy objects. These muscles too can suffer tears, sprains and overextension. The spinal cord is composed of thousands of nerve endings that transmit messages between the brain and body. The spinal cord is protected by the spinal column, and an injury to the spinal cord can have catastrophic effects and may lead to paralysis and in worse cases, death. All these injuries can cause intense and long lasting pain that requires medical treatment and time off from work.

Treatment for Back Pain

Treatment for back injuries depends on their severity. While minor injuries may require mild treatment such as a cold compress, more serious ones may require extensive treatment and even surgery. For severe back pain, doctors may prescribe narcotic pain killers, physical therapy, and ultrasound therapy.

Workers Compensation Benefits for Back Pain

If your back pain is a result of workplace injury or repetitive motion, you can claim benefits under Missouri worker compensation system. Get in touch with an experienced attorney at the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann for more information about receiving the benefits you are entitled to.

Call (314) 361-4300 for a free case evaluation.

Work Related Injuries

3 Types of Injuries Baggage Handlers Face That Could Lead to Workers Comp

June 6, 2019 By James Hoffmann Leave a Comment

An airline baggage handler may not seem to have a dangerous job, but studies on how their work can impact their health can prove otherwise.

Baggage handlers spend many hours every day physically moving, carrying, lifting, or adjusting luggage of various weights. When it comes to activities that imply manually handling heavy objects, there is a high risk of workplace injury. And, when baggage handlers get hurt, they are entitled to workers compensation.

Here are three of the most common types of injuries baggage handlers can suffer from

Lower Back Injuries

Whenever a heavy object must be handled, that activity automatically stresses the lower back area of the body. Though current equipment can facilitate moving the luggage without the need to manually handle it, baggage handlers still have to physically deal with them. Over time, this can cause issues with lower back muscles, vertebrae or tendons.

All it takes is one wrong move or one improper lifting of a heavy object and the worker can get hurt. A lower back injury often requires months of treatment for a full recovery.

Repetitive Trauma

Repetitive trauma is caused by performing the same physical activity over and over, for years on end. Baggage handlers aren’t just at risk for spontaneous accidents that can take place in the blink of an eye, but the continuous stress their work poses on their body could also affect their health. Maybe not immediately, but as time goes on, certain more stressed area of the body may begin to hurt.

Unfortunately, without proper treatment, once these symptoms first show, many luggage handlers are forced to switch to lighter activity.

Severe Fractures or Head Trauma

Baggage handling sometimes implies lifting heavy luggage at a considerable height. If the line breaks and the workers are caught under it, it could potentially cause severe fractures, possibility even head trauma.

Depending on the severity of the fracture or injury, the worker would have to most likely expect to miss a few days from work to recover. Some fractures also cannot fully heal and may leave the worker with less mobility or pains for the rest of their lives.

Know Your Rights

If you are a baggage handler and got injured as a result of your work activity, Missouri law states you have a right to workers compensation. After seeking immediate medical care, you have the obligation of informing your employer of your injuries before you apply for these benefits.

In case you’re not sure how to proceed or are uncomfortable with such legal matters, it’s best to contact a St. Louis workers’ compensation attorney and discuss your case with them. A lawyer can help you file the claim and oversee it to avoid any issues with the insurance company.

Call the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann today at (314) 361-4300 or fill out our online case evaluation form.

5 Ways to Avoid Back Injuries While Working in an Office

December 5, 2018 By James Hoffmann Leave a Comment

While office work is generally less physical than most blue collar jobs, office work can still still lead to injuries.

The truth is that every workplace has its hazards and no employee is entirely safe. One area where these types of workers frequently suffer damage is the back. We explain five excellent ways to avoid back injuries in the sections below.

Lift Properly

Though you do most of your work at a desk, there are still times when you must use your physicality. One of them is lifting heavy objects, which is often necessary to keep the office running smoothly. This task is one that frequently gives workers trouble, as they don’t use proper form and end up with a back injury as a result. The most important guidelines to remember for lifting are using your legs over your back, getting help from coworkers when needed, and using assistive equipment if available.

Pay Attention to Your Posture

Another area office workers have issues with is maintaining posture. What happens is that they sit at a desk all day looking at a computer. The first result of doing so is merely being sedentary, which makes muscles tight and prone to strains. The second is them hunching over their keyboard and screen, which is bad for the neck and back. Paying attention to posture can help you avoid these issues.

Consider Ergonomic Equipment

Pain and injuries from work are so widespread that they gave life to an entire industry. It is called ergonomics, and it focuses on optimizing people’s movements patterns to avoid adverse health outcomes. One specific aspect to focus on is ergonomic equipment, which can help you prevent back injuries. The most common of them include office chairs, desks, keyboards, and mousepads.

Watch Out For Repetitive Tasks

One of the most common causes of injuries in office settings is repetitive motions. Whether that is typing out spreadsheets, lifting boxes, or any other physical task, you are at risk of damages. What you can do to mitigate this effect is take extra care when carrying out these tasks.

Listen to Your Body

Lastly, you should listen to your body. What many people don’t realize is that the body is incredibly good at protecting itself. When it is in danger, it will send you a signal to change something. So, if you’ve been sitting too long, lifting too much, or putting any other undue strain on yourself, you should get the message to take a break or make a change. When you do, it is in your best interest to listen.

If you suffer a back injury at work, you’ll likely be able to obtain workers compensation benefits. Still, it is much better to never suffer damages in the first place. Lifting properly, maintaining a healthy posture, using ergonomic equipment, being careful during repetitive tasks, and listening to your body are five of the most effective ways to achieve that favorable result.

Call 24/7 for a FREE Case Evaluation

(314) 361-4300

Rhomboid Injuries from a Workplace Accident? St. Louis Workers Comp Attorney

November 6, 2017 By James Hoffmann Leave a Comment

It may not be easy to prove that your back injury is work related.

The rhomboid muscle is located in the upper back region beneath the neck, between the upper shoulder blades. This muscle helps in controlling the shoulders and arms.

Any injury to this muscle can be painful and disabling. The rhomboid muscle is triangle shaped and is very thin. It is a skeletal muscle connected to the bone and helps joint movement.

The rhomboid muscle connects the medial edges of the shoulder blades to the spine and helps maintain a good posture. A worker can sustain a rhomboid injury in a workplace accident or due to overuse over a period of time. In this article, we will discuss these injuries in detail.

Causes of Rhomboid Injuries Among Workers

If a worker bends over awkwardly, twists their body, or lifts heavy weights, it may cause the tear of multiple fibers. This can result in pain and loss of movement.

A sudden awkward movement may be enough to pull the rhomboid muscle. The muscle may also rupture and cause pain. The rhomboid muscle may compress on a nerve to cause severe pain.

Some of the symptoms of a rhomboid injury:

Severe pain referred to as shoulder blade pain or rhomboid pain
Severe pain referred to as shoulder blade pain or rhomboid pain
Loss of movement
Swelling
In some cases, nerve compression can lead to acute shooting pain that can result in difficult and painful movements

The rhomboid muscle does not heal easily because of its location. So, the best way to ensure recovery from a serious injury it to rest properly and reduce the swelling. Patients are often prescribed pain medications and NSAIDs to reduce pain and inflammation. Once the pain subsides, the worker can try to regain flexibility and range of motion through physical therapy. Muscle building movements and stretching can help recover from this injury.

Have You Injured Your Rhomboid Muscle in the Workplace?

If you have suffered a rhomboid injury due to lifting heavy loads or twisting your body in unnatural ways in your workplace, you may be entitled to workers compensation benefits. In many cases, workers mistake rhomboid pain for normal shoulder pain arising from overexertion. So, it is important to have the injury checked by a medical professional who can diagnose the injury correctly and then prescribe the appropriate treatment.

MO Workers Compensation Benefits

Workers who suffer a rhomboid injury while performing their job duties may be entitled to workers compensation benefits. However, due to the nature of this injury, it may not be easy to prove that the injury is indeed work related and not a result of something you did outside of the workplace such as playing basketball or lifting heavy weights in the gym. So, it is in your best interest to seek legal help from an experienced St. Louis workers compensation lawyer, who can help prove your injury and get you the benefits that you deserve.