November 21, 2023 | Workers' compensation

Neck and back injuries are amongst the most common types of injuries that affect workers. These injuries can have a significant impact not just on your ability to work and make a living but on your life in general. These injuries often have long term consequences that must be considered when seeking compensation through a workers’ compensation claim. Below, we take a closer look at common workplace neck and back injuries and their long term consequences.

Types of Neck and Back Injuries

Back and neck injuries can vary in severity and affect different parts of the spine. Some of the most common types of neck and back injuries that occur in the workplace include:

1. Strains and sprains

These injuries occur as a result of overstretching or tearing muscles or ligaments in the neck and the back. Whiplash is a typical example of these types of injuries. Whiplash injuries occur when there is sudden and forceful back and forth motion of the neck. This motion causes damage to the muscles and ligaments in the neck resulting in neck pain, stiffness and headaches.

2. Herniated disc

Herniated disc, also known as slipped or ruptured disc, is an injury that occurs when the inner soft core of the spinal disc protrudes through the tough outer layer. This then presses down on the nerves or nerve roots causing pain, numbness or even weakness in the back or the limbs. Pain from a herniated disc can vary in intensity. It can be a dull ache or a shooting pain that is debilitating.

3. Sciatica

As the name suggests, this is an injury affecting the sciatic nerve. It is a condition that results when the sciatic nerve is compressed by the vertebrae or a herniated disc. It can also occur as a result of pressure or irritation caused by bone spurs or spinal stenosis. The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back down the back of each leg. Sciatica can result in pain, tingling or numbness in the legs and lower back.

4. Spinal fractures

Spinal fractures are traumatic injuries. They occur when the vertebrae crack or fracture as a result of a strong force to the body such as in the event of a car accident. Fractures can cause severe pain, loss of height as well as deformity.

5. Spinal cord injuries

These are injuries that directly impact the spinal cord. They may be the result of a traumatic blow that damages the vertebrae, spinal column, discs or spinal cord itself. They can also occur as complications to treatments such as surgery. Spinal cord injuries can result in intense pain. They can also cause partial or total paralysis.

Long Term Consequences of Neck and Back Injuries

Back and neck injuries vary in severity depending on the type, severity and location of the injury.  Neck and back injuries often have long-term consequences that have an impact on their ability to work and earn a living. Some of the common long-term consequences of these types of injuries include:

1. Chronic pain

Chronic pain is one of the most common impacts of neck and back injuries. The pain can persist for months or years. It can even affect the injured worker for the rest of their lives. The pain may be a dull ache which the worker can bear while working. However, if the pain is severe, they may not be able to perform even simple tasks.

2. Reduced mobility

Injuries to the spine or nerves leaving or entering the spinal cord can result in reduced range of motion and flexibility. This can affect a workers’ ability to perform various physical activities. They may not be able to perform their tasks at work as a result.

3. Muscle weakness

Damage of the spine or nerves can result in muscle weakness in the limbs and even the back or neck. This can make it challenging for the injured worker to maintain proper posture resulting in even higher risk of injury. It can also result in the injured worker not being able to carry out simple tasks.

4. Disability

Severe injuries can result in loss of function in the limbs. Injured workers may not be able to return to work in their previous capacity. Disabilities can affect the quality of life of the injured worker by limiting their ability to engage in physical and recreational activities. This can have an impact on their relationships and make their daily life challenging.

5. Ongoing medical care

Many workers that suffer back and neck injuries require ongoing medical care. This may include physical therapy, pain management and in some cases, surgical interventions. This will not only have an impact on the physical condition of the worker but also their economic status. Workers may suffer under the immense financial pressure of mounting medical bills.

If you have suffered a neck or back injury as a result of a workplace accident, you may be eligible to recover compensation for your damages. Contact our law firm to discuss your case with an experienced attorney and learn about your rights and options.

I Hurt My Back at Work, What Can I Do?