5 Common On-the-Job Back & Neck Injuries

Back and neck injuries are serious injuries that can result from a workplace injury. These types of injuries can lead to significant medical bills, the need for rehab with a professional, and even the inability to ever work again. Here are a few examples of back and neck injuries that you could suffer on the job:

Whiplash

Whiplash, or neck strain, is by far the most common spinal injury. It is primarily caused by car accidents — particularly in rear-end collisions — and the damage occurs when a person’s head and neck are suddenly thrust forward faster than the body, causing the cervical vertebrae to “whip.” Most whiplash injuries involve the neck muscles, ligaments and soft tissues in the neck and cervical spine.

Whiplash can range from mild to severe, and these injuries aren’t always consistent with the force of the impact. Some low-impact collisions cause severe neck injuries. Whiplash symptoms include dizziness, headaches, stiff neck and shoulders, fatigue, reduced mobility, tenderness, numbness, and blurred vision.

Thoracic spine injuries (chest, rib-area, and mid-back)

Thoracic spine injuries are another common back injury that is often severe, sometimes resulting in permanent nerve damage. They frequently occur in high-energy impacts from the front or back or in crushing type injuries. Symptoms of thoracic spine injuries include stiffness, sudden change in posture, reduced range of motion, muscle spasms, tingling, numbness, weakness as well as pain in the ribs, shoulder, arm, fingers, neck or legs.

Lumbar spine injuries (lower back)

The weight-bearing lumbar region of the spine has five large vertebrae which are supported by the large muscles in the lower back, hips, and abdomen. Sprains and strains that stretch or damage these important muscles and ligaments of the back can be very painful and limiting. Symptoms include swelling, area soreness, and point tenderness. Lower back injuries such as strains and sprains can interfere with movement and limit the ability to perform daily activities.

Herniated disc

Another common back injury is a herniated disc (also referred to as a “ruptured” or “slipped” disc). Herniated discs occur when the soft space breaks down, or when a vertebrae disc is moved or displaced, and the bones press on nerves or nerve roots. The pain from herniated discs can vary from a dull ache to shooting debilitating pain. Common symptoms of a herniated disc include muscle weakness, burning and tingling sensations.

Spinal cord injuries

Few injuries are more serious, or costly, than a catastrophic injury to the spinal cord. These injuries may result from a traumatic blow that causes damage to the vertebrae, ligaments or discs of the spinal column, or to the spinal cord itself. Spinal injuries can lead to serious surgeries and medical complications. Symptoms of spinal cord injuries can include intense pain and, in many cases, partial or total paralysis.

If you have suffered a work related back or neck injury, schedule a consultation today to discuss compensations for your back or neck injury before the statute of limitations runs out on your case. 

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Cole, Fisher, Cole, O’Keefe + Mahoney is Central California’s leading workers’ compensation and social security disability law firm. With over 30 years of successful experience, we are committed to securing maximum benefits for our clients in the Fresno, California area. Schedule a free consultation today.