Work-Related Cervical or Neck Injury Rehabilitation varies based on whether the injury required surgery. Here is very generally what one may expect for rehab after the initial acute treatment of a workers compensation neck or cervical spine injury. Every case is different and one should only take a advice from a medical professional. This information is given simply to illustrate what an injured worker may expect in the course of a serious injury claim.
Nonsurgical Rehabilitation
Nonsurgical treatments can maximize the health of the neck and prolong the time before some type of surgery is needed. Physical therapy treatment is often prescribed for two to four weeks for patients with neck pain. Treatments are designed to help ease pain and to improve mobility, strength, posture, and function. Therapy treatments will teach the injured worker how to control symptoms and protect the neck including at work. You may be given exercises to do on a regular basis.
After Surgery
Rehabilitation after neck surgery is much more complex. Some patients leave the hospital shortly after surgery, but some surgeries require patients to stay in the hospital for a few days. Patients who stay in the hospital may visit with a physical therapist in the hospital room soon after surgery. The treatment sessions help patients learn to move and do routine activities without putting extra strain on the neck.
Many surgical patients need physical therapy outside of the hospital as well. They often see a therapist for one to three months, depending on the type of surgery. Therapy treatments are designed to calm pain and muscle spasm, teach patients to move safely, and help patients develop strength and mobility.
As the therapy sessions come to an end, the therapist may help the patient get back to work. The therapist can do a work assessment to ensure the patient can do his or her job safely. Some patients may need to modify their work or other activities to avoid future problems.
In both cases, a physiatrist or pain management doctor may be enlisted to assist with rehabilitation. Thankfully, the modern trend is away from prescribed medication, especially opiates, which have well-documented risk factors. Non-inflammatory and other medications may be prescribed to help the rehab program by making the body more accepting of therapy and exercise. Similarly, injections may be used to augment cervical or neck physical therapy or work-hardening programs.
McCormick Law Office in Milwaukee, Wisconsin gets the best workers compensation benefits with Work-Related Cervical or Neck Injury claims, whether from a single traumatic incident like an on the job car accident, or from job duties over time causing a repetitive or degenerative injury. Call for free telephone consultation.
