Workers comp low back pain can result from different work-related spine conditions from the effects of spine degeneration or a single back injury. Some of these spinal conditions include:
Annular Tears
Our intervertebral discs change with age, much like our hair turns gray. Perhaps the earliest stage of degeneration occurs due to tears that occur in the annulus. These tears can result from wear and tear over a period of time. They can also be the result of a sudden injury to the disc due to a twist or increased strain on the disc that overpowers the strength of the annulus. These annular tears may cause pain in the back until they heal with scar tissue.
Internal Disc Disruption
Multiple annular tears can lead to a disc that becomes weak. The disc starts to degenerate and collapse. The vertebrae begin to compress together. The collapsing disc can be the source of pain because it has lost the ability to be a shock absorber between the vertebrae. This condition is sometimes referred to as internal disc disruption. This type of problem causes primarily mechanical back pain due to inflammation of the disc and surrounding structures.
Herniated Disc
A disc that has been weakened may rupture or herniate. If the annulus ruptures, or tears, the material in the nucleus can squeeze out of the disc or herniate. The analogy most often used is that of a jelly doughnut. A disc herniation usually causes compressive problems if the disc presses against a spinal nerve. The chemicals released by the disc may also inflame the nerve root, causing pain in the area where the nerve travels down the leg. This type of pain is referred to as sciatica. Even a normal disc can rupture. Heavy, repetitive bending, twisting, and lifting can place too much pressure on the disc, causing the annulus to tear and the nucleus to rupture into the spinal canal.
McCormick Law Office attorneys in Milwaukee Wisconsin provide legal representation to injured workers with spine injuries from work. Serious workers comp low back pain results in disability and workers compensation benefits. Benefits include temporary disability, permanent disability, loss of earning capacity or vocational retraining under Wisconsin’s workers’ compensation act. To get the best results attorneys work to obtain the doctor’s opinions that support workers comp causation and explain the nature of the permanent injury. A persuasive and winning case is supported by strong medical opinions based on consistent medical record documentation.
