Many people assume that only people who have physically demanding jobs will suffer from back injuries at work; however, that’s not the case. Even people who have office jobs and other non-physically demanding jobs can end up with an on-the-job back injury.
Back injuries are among the most common workplace injuries. They’re often caused by lifting, twisting, falls, repetitive motions or sudden strain. These injuries can cause pain immediately, but they may also appear slowly.
Injuries can affect various structures in the back
A back injury can affect the nerves, ligaments, muscles and discs. In some cases, the spine might be affected. These injuries can lead to a host of symptoms, including pain, stiffness and numbness. Some people may also experience limited movement or radiating pain that travels down the leg. These symptoms may start off minor and then get more intense as time progresses.
When a back injury happens at work, the employee should alert the employer so they can initiate the workers’ compensation process. Workers’ compensation should cover the medical expenses, and it should pay partial wage replacement for workers who can’t return to work within a specific amount of time after the injury.
Even when an employee can return to work, they may not be able to resume their full work duties all at once. Being put on light duty could mean a reduction in hours, which can negatively impact their paycheck.
Injured workers count on workers’ compensation benefits to make ends meet. When the workers’ compensation benefits aren’t what they should be, an appeal might be necessary. Seeking the assistance of someone familiar with these matters is beneficial.
