What are the Treatment Options for Back Injuries?
Heavy lifting, repetitive movement and even sitting at a desk all day can cause serious neck and back conditions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than one million workers suffer back injuries each year, and back injuries account for one fifth of all workers compensation cases in the U.S.
Common workplace back injuries include lower back strain, slipped or herniated discs, as well as fractured vertebrae, pinched nerves and spinal cord damage. Back injuries are painful and often require extended treatment and recovery periods. It is important to seek medical care for injured workers immediately following a work-related accident in order to decrease the time spent in recovery and return employees to work sooner, ultimately decreasing the overall cost to the employer.
Physiatry (Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation)
Our physiatrists (also known as physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians) care for patients who have severe back pain that has not responded to conservative treatment methods like physical therapy or medication. Through interventional, nonsurgical procedures – including compression fracture treatment (vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty), radiofrequency ablation, spinal cord stimulation and epidural steroid injections – our physiatrists treat and manage painful symptoms related to a variety of back and spine conditions.
Back Surgery
Spine surgery may be an option for work comp patients who have not found relief through nonsurgical methods. In addition to treating adult degenerative disorders of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine, our spine surgeon treats severe lower back pain and other spine conditions, including workers compensation injuries. Common surgical procedures for neck and back pain relief include laminectomy, anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), disc replacement, and spinal fusion.
In addition, our team includes board-certified and fellowship-trained physicians who specialize in treating other work-related injuries, including shoulder injuries, knee injuries, hand and wrist injuries, as well as foot and ankle conditions. Contact us for more information and expert recommendations on the right course of treatment for work comp patients.
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