How long should a back injury take to heal?
Back muscle strains typically heal with time, many within a few days, and most within 3 to 4 weeks. Most patients with mild or moderate lumbar strains make a full recovery and are free of symptoms within days, weeks, or possibly months.
How long does it take for back inflammation to go away?
Depending on the type of tissue that was injured (i.e., tendons vs muscles, where tendons have less blood supply and, therefore, will likely heal more slowly), it usually lasts between 72 hours to six weeks.
What to do if you have a back injury at work?
Many work-related back injuries can be prevented by lifting properly. “Prevention is the best medicine,” says Dwight S. Tyndall, MD, FAAOS, of DrSpine.com, a spine surgeon in Munster, Indiana who specializes in treating spine condition in the injured worker.
When to file a workers comp claim for a back injury?
Report your workers comp back injury to your supervisor or your company’s human resources’ department. Depending on your state, there’s a statute of limitations to file a claim for an injury. In Ohio, for example, you have one year from the date of injury to file a workers’ comp claim with your supervisor or human resources department.
When to see a spine specialist for back injury?
“Patients generally try occupational therapy for four to six weeks before they’re referred to me or the appropriate spine specialists ,” Dr. Tyndall says. But depending on your situation, you may be referred immediately for specialty spine care or even in six months.
Who is at risk for back pain at work?
Back pain at work can affect everyone from long-haul truckers and manual laborers to food service and hospitality workers. Even desk jockeys who occasionally lift something heavy are at risk.
When do injured workers go back to work?
They continue to receive some type of therapy, but their recovery is slow. One day, completely out of the blue, the employer calls the worker and tells them they need to return to work.
How to negotiate a Workers Comp back injury settlement?
Please use this information to get the medical attention you need to recover and cash payments that provide financial security after a work-related back injury. If you have questions about your legal rights after a work injury or want help negotiating a workers comp back injury settlement, call me: (804) 251-1620 or (757) 810-5614.
Why are back injuries so common in workers comp?
Lumbar spine and back injuries account for roughly one-third of all workers compensation claims. Many of these injuries are life-changing, resulting in time missed from work to recover and the need for back surgery. You might never return to full duty work after a back injury.
How often do people get workers comp for back pain?
The data shows that about 80 percent of adults will suffer a back injury or experience back pain during their lifetime – and that hurting your back once increases the likelihood of chronic episodes of back pain. Lumbar spine and back injuries account for roughly one-third of all workers compensation claims.