Your doctor At Injury Doctors NYC will examine your back and assess your ability to sit, stand, walk and lift your legs. Your doctor might also ask you to rate your pain on a scale of zero to 10 and talk to you about how well you're functioning with your pain.
These assessments help determine where the pain comes from, how much you can move before pain forces you to stop and whether you have muscle spasms. They can also help rule out more-serious causes of back pain.
COMMON CAUSES
Lifting heavy objects is a common cause of back injuries at work. When you lift something heavy, it puts force on your back. The extra force can cause a back injury.
Repetitive motions can also cause back injuries. For example, if you have to twist your spine to the left or right each day, you can hurt your back. The repetitive motion puts stress on your back and causes injuries.
DIAGNOSIS
If you have sustained a back injury while at work or in an auto accident, you may be entitled to workers compensation benefits. If there is an additional negligent party such as a negligent co-worker, you may be able to receive additional compensation.
It is important that your doctor take the time to properly diagnose your condition and that each step of the treatment process is documented.
TREATMENT
Most back pain gets better within a month of home treatment. However, everyone is different, and back pain is a complex condition. For many, the pain doesn't go away for a few months, but only a few have persistent, severe pain.
Over-the-counter pain relievers and the use of heat might be all you need. Bed rest isn't recommended.
Continue your activities as much as you can tolerate. Try light activity, such as walking and activities of daily living. Stop activity that increases pain, but don't avoid activity out of fear of pain. If home treatments aren't working after several weeks, your doctor might suggest stronger medications or other therapies such as physical therapy.
Surgical and other procedures.
Procedures used to treat back pain may include:
- Surgical and other procedures.
- Radiofrequency neurotomy.
- Implanted nerve stimulators.
- Surgery.
