Herniated Disc From a Work Injury

How disc injuries happen on the job

Lifting with the back rounded, twisting under load, a hard fall onto the tailbone, or a jolt in a work vehicle can injure a disc in the low back or neck. Pain that runs into a leg or arm, rather than staying in the back, is the sign the provider is looking for.

Symptoms worth getting examined

• Back or neck pain with pain, numbness or tingling into a leg or arm
• Weakness in a foot, leg, hand or arm
• Pain that is worse with sitting, bending or coughing
• Pain that does not ease with rest after a few days

Seek emergency care right away

Loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, or rapidly worsening leg weakness need emergency evaluation before anything else.

What the first visit covers

• A history of the incident and your job duties
• A physical examination of the spine, including nerve, strength and reflex testing
• A treatment plan written for your injury and the work you do
• A work status note describing what you can and cannot do while you recover
• Referrals for imaging, pain management or a specialist when the provider finds they are needed

Treatment for a work-related disc injury

Most disc injuries are managed conservatively: reduce pain and nerve irritation, restore movement in directions that ease the leg or arm symptoms, then rebuild the core and lifting tolerance the job requires. Chiropractic care and physical therapy are the core of the plan. The provider refers for an MRI or pain management when the examination or lack of progress calls for it.

Your work status note

Disc injuries usually come with lifting limits and limits on bending, twisting and prolonged sitting. The note is updated at follow-up visits.