Workers’ Compensation for Back Injury 

The term “back injury” encompasses many possible medical issues. These issues might involve the spine, nerves, muscles, joints, connective tissue, and many other parts of your back. Back injuries can vary tremendously in severity, ranging from mild sprains to full paralysis. This section will offer a few examples of qualifying back injuries.

Sprains/Strains

Back sprains and strains are common examples of repetitive strain injuries (RSIs). According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, many workers suffer lumbar strains after performing repetitive tasks for weeks, months, or years. A lumbar strain affects the tendons of the lower back, and workers who lift heavy weights are especially vulnerable to this type of injury. Common symptoms of back strains include inflammation, loss of motion, spasms, pain, and discomfort.

Herniated Disks

The human spine contains numerous disks that separate the vertebrae. A herniated disk occurs when one of these soft cushions slips out of place. Common symptoms include numbness or weakness in the limbs, especially if the slipped disk puts pressure on a nerve. Usually, the symptoms are limited to one side of the body. While herniation often occurs due to our natural aging process, young people can also suffer this injury after performing physically demanding tasks, such as lifting, twisting, and turning. According to the Mayo Clinic, a herniated disk is a common type of RSI.

Fractures

The spine contains numerous bones that are vulnerable to fractures. The vertebrae are perhaps the most important bones in the spine, and workers can break them in various ways. One example is a compression fracture, which occurs when the vertebrae collapses. Workers may also suffer burst fractures, which occur when vertebrae shatter explosively, sending shards jutting out into the surrounding nerves and spinal cord.

A fracture-dislocation involves both broken bones and torn ligaments, which leads to difficulty healing because the vertebrae slide away from each other. If the spinal cord is sufficiently damaged, you may suffer permanent paralysis and a range of other issues. Unlike repetitive strain injuries, these serious fractures are usually caused by isolated traumatic events rather than gradual degradation.

Stenosis

Stenosis is another type of spinal injury linked with gradual wear and tear. Arthritis can inflame the ligaments in your spine while the normal aging princess simultaneously shrinks your disks. As a result, your spinal column may become increasingly narrow, placing serious pressure on your nerves. This spinal injury causes symptoms such as cramping, pain, weakness, poor balance, and urine/bowel movement issues.

An isolated work accident can trigger stenosis or increase the likelihood of developing it later, but repetitive strain is also a risk factor. Some doctors believe workers exposed to excessive vibrations throughout the day (like from jackhammering) are especially vulnerable.

Spondylolisthesis

If one of your vertebrae slips out of place, you may develop a condition called spondylolisthesis. This injury is often caused by a stress fracture – but not always. When this occurs, the vertebra rests on the bone below, potentially pinching the nerve and causing symptoms such as stiffness, spasms, weakness, pain, numbness, weakness, and tingling. Spondylolisthesis can be either traumatic (caused by a single event) or degenerative (caused by gradual wear and tear). Surgery may be required for workers who develop spondylolisthesis.

Both employers and employees in California play a role in preventing workplace back injuries. While some of these prevention strategies explained in this section are relatively simple, others require significant investment or planning.

The Importance of Proper Posture

One of the most basic ways to prevent back injury is to improve your posture. Whether you’re working at a computer or lifting heavy boxes, adjusting your posture can have tremendous effects. When you improve your posture, you will improve blood flow to the spine while reducing the chances of injury.

Accessing Ergonomic Equipment

You can also prevent back injuries by switching to more ergonomic equipment. Although the average employee may not be able to implement these changes, their employers can reduce their risk for back injuries by upgrading office chairs, tools, and workstations. Even switching to a more ergonomic keyboard could help you reduce repetitive strain.

Modify Repetitive Tasks

Perhaps the most obvious way to reduce strain caused by repetitive tasks is to “switch it up.” Employees can take it upon themselves to modify tasks. This might be as simple as using a different hand to wash a window or changing a shoveling technique. You might also push a cart instead of pulling it. Employers can help by rotating workers and ensuring a wider variety of tasks for each employee.

Take Advantage of Rest Periods

As a California worker, you are legally guaranteed one 30-minute meal break and two 10-minute rest periods. Take full advantage of these breaks to give your back enough time to recover. Avoid overexertion by sitting down, relaxing, and perhaps enjoying a hot beverage when you are able. Do not let your employer pressure you into working throughout the day without breaks – no matter how urgent things seem. It’s not worth sacrificing your back, plain and simple.

Encouraging Healthy Work Culture

Finally, employers can help prevent back injuries by encouraging healthy work culture across their entire organizations. By incentivizing fitness and nutrition, employers save money in the long run with fewer injuries and claims.