What is a Spinal Burst Fracture?

Spinal burst fractures are extremely serious injuries, and are usually caused by severe trauma such as a motor vehicle accident or a fall from a height. 

Extreme amounts of force exerted onto the spine can crush the vertebrae of the spine. A burst fracture involves extreme compression, or crushing, of the vertebra, causing the edges of the bone to spread out in all directions. With bony fragments and edges spreading out in all directions, there is a strong possibility that the spinal cord will be injured, resulting in paralysis or partial neurological injury. A burst fracture also causes severe instability of the spine at the affected area.

Neurological injury from a burst fracture can (in some lucky cases), cause no injury at all, or it can cause complete paralysis if the spinal cord damage is severe. The degree of neurological injury is usually determined by the amount of force at the time of injury, and the severity of the damage to the spinal canal. Bony fragments from a fractured vertebra can be forced into the spinal canal, resulting in loss of strength, sensation, or reflexes below the level of the injury. Mild burst fractures can result in relatively minimal symptoms or mild or no neurological injury.

Following an accident where a spinal injury is suspected, x-rays, CT scans, and/or MRI scans may be used to determine the amount of soft tissue trauma, bleeding, or ligament disruption, the presence and location of fracture, the type of fracture, and the amount of spinal canal compromise. All of these elements help determine the course of treatment.

Burst fractures, even without neurological injury, can be extremely painful, and can cause severe, long-term disability. Spinal burst fractures with neurological or spinal cord injuries can be physically, emotionally, and financially devastating.

If you or a loved one sustained a spinal fracture as a result of a work-related accident, or a car accident due to someone else’s fault, you may be entitled to compensation in Minnesota. For a free, no-obligation case evaluation, contact Meuser & Associate at 877-746-5680, or click here to send us an email to schedule an appointment with one of our attorneys. We can help you get the compensation you are entitled to. 

Minnesota Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries can be classified in two ways: complete spinal cord injuries and incomplete spinal cord injuries. Complete spinal cord injuries involve injuries to the spinal cord that cause complete loss of voluntary function and sensation below the point of injury. Incomplete spinal cord injuries do not cause complete loss of voluntary function and sensation below the injury.

Thankfully, advancements in modern medicine have reduced the likelihood that a spinal cord injury will be complete. Many spinal cord injury victims do eventually gain some voluntary function and sensation below the point of injury with medical care.

Spinal cord injuries are caused by severe trauma to the spinal cord. These types of injuries can be the result of blunt force trauma, falls, or high speed car accidents.

In Minnesota, if you suffer a spinal cord injury as a result of your work activities, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, including wage loss benefits, permanent partial disability benefits, vocational rehabilitation benefits, and medical expense benefits.

If you suffer a spinal cord injury in a car accident due to someone else’s fault or negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages from the at-fault party.

Spinal cord injuries are physically, emotionally, and financially devastating. If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury at work, or as the result of a car accident, a Minnesota workers’ compensation or personal injury attorney can explain your rights, help you through the process of bringing a claim, and help you get the compensation you’re entitled to.

For a free, no-obligation case consultation, contact Meuser & Associate at 877-746-5680, or click here to send us an email. 

Preventing Construction Site Back Injuries

In the construction industry, 25% of injuries are back injuries. Construction has a higher rate of back injuries than any other injury, except transportation. Back injuries cause 1 in 100 construction workers to miss time from work every year.

Construction site back injuries are most often caused by lifting, lowering, carrying, pushing, and puling materials. Low back injuries are more likely if you often carry heavy loads, must twist while carrying heavy loads, or work a lot while bending over or in other awkward positions. Most back injuries are sprains and strains, but a back injury can be more severe, such as a herniated disc or nerve impingement.

Many construction back injuries can be avoided by:

• Cutting down on carrying. Have materials delivered close to where they will be used. 
• Storing materials at waist height. Lifting from higher or lower heights can be awkward, and can increase the risk of back injury. 
• Raise your work to waist level. Working at waist level avoids awkward postures. 
• Make sure floors and walkways are clear and try. Slips, trips, and falls are a common cause of back injuries. 
• Take breaks. When you’re fatigued, you’re more likely to sustain injury. 
• Use carts, dollies, forklifts, and hoists to move heavy materials. 
• Use carrying tools with handles. Decrease your risk of back injury by having a good grip on awkward loads. 
• Avoid lifting items weighing more than 50 pounds by yourself. Get help from someone else, or use a cart. 
• Keep the load as close to your body as you can when carrying or lifting. 
• Avoid twisting when lifting and lowering materials. 
• Lift and lower materials in a smooth motion. 
• Don’t bend over when lifting materials off the ground. 

If you’ve sustained an on-the-job construction injury, you may be entitled to Minnesota workers’ compensation benefits, including medical expense benefits, wage loss benefits, permanent partial disability benefits, and/or rehabilitation benefits. For a free, no-obligation case consultation contact Meuser & Associate at 877-746-5680, or click here to send us an email. 

Types of Spinal Fractures

A spinal fracture is when you break a bone in your spine. The spine is made up of vertebrae stacked on top of each other, and they can break, just like other bones in your body. Spinal fractures, however, can be more severe than other bone breaks because a spinal fracture can result in trauma to the spinal cord.

There are number of different ways to classify spinal fractures depending on the area of the vertebrae that is fractured, the severity of the fracture, and the kind of fracture.

There a variety of different types of spinal fractures, including:

Compression fracture: Compression fractures are common in patients with underlying osteoporosis. Sudden force or pressure applied to the vertebra can cause the vertebrae to fracture, especially if the vertebra is already weakened. A wedge fracture is a type of compression fracture, where the anterior, or front, of the vertebra collapses and becomes wedge shaped.

Burst fracture. Burst fractures are caused by extreme trauma, such as car accidents. They happen when the vertebra is crushed by extreme forces, and it is fractured in multiple places. Bony fragments from the fracture can cause spinal cord injury. Burst fractures are usually severe.

Flexion-distraction fractures. Sudden forward forces, such those involved in a high speed rear end collision, that cause extreme stress on the spine can break vertebrae. A flexion-distraction fracture usually involves the posterior (back), and middle portions of the vertebra.

Fracture-dislocation. Any spinal fracture can also involve dislocation, where the vertebra moves significantly, and causes the spine to become very unstable. Fractures of the spine are severe injuries, and can be caused by car accidents or workplace accidents. They can involve significant medical care and disability. If you’ve sustained a spinal fracture as a result of your work activities, or as the result of a car accident, a Minnesota workers’ compensation attorney or personal injury attorney can help you get the benefits you’re entitled to. For a free, no-obligation case consultation, contact Meuser & Associate at 877-746-5680, or click here to send us an email. 

Osteoarthritis of the Neck and Back: Minnesota Work Comp

Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, is a common cause of neck and back pain. It is the result of the mechanical breakdown of the cartilage between the facet joints in the spine, which can cause frictional pain. Development of bone spurs can irritate or entrap spinal nerves.

Osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease of the neck or back can be caused by work activities, or work activities may aggravate or accelerate the condition. An acute work injury can also aggravate a workers’ pre-existing spinal osteoarthritis.

Medical evaluation for neck or back pain typically involves a discussion of symptoms and a detailed medical history, a physical examination, and if osteoarthritis is suspected, a series of x-rays. Other tests, such as MRI’s or CT scans may be performed to confirm the diagnosis or to rule out other conditions. For more information about osteoarthritis visit Spine-health.com.

Unfortunately, a workers’ compensation claim for a back injury can become complicated if there’s a concurrent or underlying diagnosis of osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease. Workers’ compensation insurance companies typically try to argue that the injured worker’s condition was “pre-existing,” or that if they did sustain an injury, it was simply a “temporary aggravation.” They commonly use these arguments to deny an injured workers’ work comp. claim entirely, or to limit the amount of benefits they have to pay if that worker becomes disabled due to neck or back pain.

For a free, no-obligation evaluation of your Minnesota workers’ compensation case, contact Meuser & Associate at 877-746-5680 or click here to send us an email.

Epidural Steroid Injections of the Neck and Back: Minnesota Workers’ Compensation

Epidural injections deliver steroids into the epidural space around the spinal nerve roots to relive pain caused by irritated spinal nerves. The steroid reduces inflammation of the nerves, which are often the source of pain. About 50% of patients receive significant pain relief following an injection. The purpose of epidural steroid injections is to help patients get enough pain relief in order to be able to undergo rehabilitation program. Unfortunately, epidural steroid injections don’t actually cure the underlying problem.

Spinal nerves can become inflamed due to irritation from a damaged disc or contact with bone spurs. Symptoms of nerve inflammation can cause pain and/or numbness and tingling in parts of the body associated with the nerve.

Nerve irritation in the cervical spine can cause:

• Neck pain, tingling, or numbness. 
• Shoulder pain, tingling, or numbness. 
• Arm pain, tingling, or numbness. 

Nerve irritation in the thoracic spine can cause:

• Upper back pain. 
• Pain along the ribs to the chest wall. 
• Pain in the abdomen. 

Nerve irritation in the lumbar spine can cause:

• Low back pain. 
• Hip pain. 
• Buttock pain. 
• Leg pain, tingling, or numbness. 

Before the injection is administered, the patient is given a local anesthetic to the area that is to be injected. The injection is performed using a guided x-ray procedure called fluoroscopy. Contrast dye and a combination of numbing medicine and an anti-inflammatory medicine are injected into the epidural space. The procedure generally takes about 30 minutes, followed by approximately 45 minutes of recovery time. Some patients may experience partial numbness from the anesthetic in the arms or legs, which usually subsides after a few hours. Pain levels after an epidural steroid injection should be documented in a “pain diary” so the treating physician can evaluate the effectiveness of the injection. Improvements in pain will generally occur within 10 days after the injection, and may begin as soon as one day after the injection.

For more information about spinal epidural injections check out Spine-Health.com.

Workers with neck and back injuries frequently undergo one or more epidural steroid injections, with varying degrees of success. If you’ve sustained an on-the-job injury, contact Meuser & Associate for a free, no obligation consultation to learn more about your Minnesota workers’ compensation rights. Call us at 877-746-5680 or click here to send us an email. 

Work-Related Herniated Disc: Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Low back herniated disc injuries are the most common work-related injury we see in our Minnesota workers’ compensation practice. 

While a good portion of our clients do ultimately require some sort of surgery to address their herniated discs, many of our clients experience improvements in their condition, or they are able to manage their symptoms through other, non-surgical medical treatments.

During the initial time period following a lumbar herniated disc injury, many patients will try a variety of “conservative” treatments to alleviate pain from the herniated disc, and to give the disc herniation time to heal. If an injured worker experiences symptom relief with non-surgical options within the first several weeks following the disc herniated injury, continued non-surgical treatment may be appropriate.

Some types of non-surgical disc herniation treatment options include:

Chiropractic treatment and physical therapy. If symptoms persist for several weeks, a trial of chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation and/or physical therapy may be warranted. The goals of chiropractic/osteopathic manipulation and physical therapy are to reduce pain and to help the patient return to his or her normal level of function.

Medications. Medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce inflammation and pain caused by a disc herniation. Oral steroids may also be utilized to try to reduce inflammation promote healing of a herniated disc. Narcotic pain medications may be prescribed to reduce acute pain. Muscle relaxers may be prescribed to reduce muscle spasm, and to encourage healing in the affected area.

Epidural steroid injections. Injections of steroids directly into the area of the disc herniation can help reduce inflammation and promote healing. Patients may experience pain relief that can last from one week up to a year. Up to three injections may be done within a year.

In Minnesota, if you sustain a work-related herniated disc, the workers’ compensation insurance company is required to pay for reasonable and necessary medical expenses, which may include chiropractic treatments and physical therapy, medications, and injections, and a variety of other medical treatments.

Lumbar herniated discs can be extremely painful and can seriously interfere with your ability to work. Herniated discs are the most common work-related injury we see in our workers’ compensation practice. To learn more about your Minnesota workers’ compensation rights, call Meuser & Associate at 877-746-5680, or click here to send us an email to schedule a free, no-obligation case consultation. 

Back Pain Mistakes: MN Workers' Compensation

Back injuries are the most common type of work-related injury we see in our Minnesota workers’ compensation law practice. 

Dealing with severe or chronic back pain due to a work injury can be incredibly difficult. According to Spine-Health.com, avoiding some common mistakes can help keep you from making your back pain worse.

1. Ignoring your pain for too long. Often, an acute attack of low back pain will get better within a few weeks, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore it. For chronic or severe back pain, a spine specialist may be able to give you a diagnosis and treatment plan to help you manage or reduce your pain.
2. Relying on your general practitioner for too long. If your back pain is severe and/or lasts for more than a few weeks, you may need to see someone with more specialized training in back pain, such as a chiropractor or spine specialist. A spine specialist may be able to give you a better diagnosis and treatment plan than a general practitioner. 
3. Jumping to surgery too quickly. Surgery is not necessarily a “quick fix.” In most cases, it is typically recommended that back pain patients try non-surgical, or conservative treatment, such as chiropractic care or physical therapy, for several weeks or months before seeing a spine surgeon. While surgery can correct a structural problem in the spine, such as a disc pressing a nerve, a sustained exercise and rehabilitation program can often promote long-term recovery.
4. Postponing back surgery for too long. For some types of back conditions, such as those involving nerve root compression, patients often tend to do better if they have surgery sooner, rather than later. 
5. Focusing on MRI results. While an MRI scan can show areas of your spine that might be responsible for causing your pain, you need a full clinical diagnosis to determine an appropriate treatment plan. Often patients with severe back pain have a normal MRI scan, and individuals with significant structural abnormalities on an MRI have no back pain. 
6. Being inactive. Often people with back pain try to avoid aggravating their back pain or triggering pain flare-ups by limiting their physical activity. Over time, however, lack of activity often leads to more pain. Keeping your back flexible and strong improves your core support, hastens the healing process, and reduces the chances of future injury or aggravations. 

In addition to the pain you have to deal with as a result of a work-related back injury, you may suddenly be looking at significant medical expense, an extended time off work, or even a permanent disability.

In Minnesota, if you sustain an on-the-job back injury, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, including medical expense benefits, wage loss benefits, vocational rehabilitation benefits, and/or permanent partial disability benefits. For a free, no-obligation case consultation, call Meuser & Associate at 877-746-5680 or click here to send us an email to speak with one of our Minnesota workers’ compensation attorneys.

Preventing Work-Related Back Injuries

Back injuries are the most common work-related injuries we see in our Minnesota workers’ compensation law practice. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, back injuries account for 1 in 5 workplace injuries/illnesses. Back injuries are painful and debilitating. After you’ve sustained a back injury, you’re more likely to suffer a re-occurrence or re-injury of your back in the future. 

Risk factors for back injuries include:

• Improper lifting or lifting objects that are too heavy. 
• Repetitive motions that lead to muscle fatigue and injury or gradual wear and tear. 
• Poor posture while sitting, standing, or performing job activities. 
• Stress, which can lead to muscle tension and back pain. 
• Age-related wear and tear. 
• Excess weight, which puts extra strain on the back. 
• Presence of other diseases, such as arthritis or degenerative disc disease. 
• Cigarette smoking which increases the risk of low back pain and slows healing of injuries.

Preventing work-related back injuries involves taking simple precautions. For example:

1. Learning and using safe lifting techniques.
2. Using mechanical lifting aids when possible. 
3. Improving posture while sitting, standing, or performing work activities. 
4. Using ergonomically-appropriate chairs, equipment, and materials to avoid awkward postures and reaching. 
5. Changing positions frequently. 
6. Taking mini-breaks, especially while performing repetitive tasks. 
7. Minimizing bending and reaching. 
8. Managing and reducing stress. 
9. Maintaining a healthy weight. 
10. Improving overall wellness by eating well, sleeping enough, and getting regular exercise.
11. Adopting an exercise routine focusing on strengthening the back and abdominal muscles. 

If you hurt your back at work in Minnesota, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, including wage loss benefits, medical expense benefits, permanent partial disability benefits, and/or rehabilitation benefits. Don’t let an on-the-job back injury ruin your health or your career. For a free, no-obligation Minnesota workers’ compensation case consultation, contact Meuser & Associate at 877-746-5680 or click here to send us an email. 

Pre-Existing Conditions and MN Workers’ Compensation

In Minnesota, if you re-injure or aggravate a pre-existing condition, it is covered by workers’ compensation. A person’s work activities or work injury need only be a substantial contributing factor to his or her current condition for it to be compensable under Minnesota workers’ compensation law.

While an employer is not obligated to cover a worker’s personal health, that employer take employees as they find them with whatever health conditions they bring to the job. Employers in Minnesota assume the risk that an employee’s non-work related pre-existing condition may be aggravated by a work injury or work activity.

In Minnesota, in order to be compensable workers’ compensation claim, it is not necessary that a work injury or an employees work activities be the only cause of the condition for which workers’ compensation benefits are sought. The work activities or the work injury need only be a substantial contributing factor to the cause aggravation or acceleration of a pre-existing condition.

In Vanda v. Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Co., 27 W.C.D. 379, 218 N.W.2d 458 (1974), the Court explained that:

"[W]hen the usual tasks ordinary to an employee’s work substantially aggravate, accelerate, or combine with a pre-existing disease or latent condition to produce a disability, the entire disability is compensable, no apportionment being made on the basis of relative causal contribution of the pre-existing condition and the work activities."

A judge will consider several factors in determining whether an aggravation of a pre-existing condition is temporary or permanent, including (1) the nature and severity of the pre-existing condition and the extent of restrictions and disability resulting therefrom; (2) the nature of the symptoms and extent of medical treatment prior to the aggravating incident; (3) the nature and severity of the aggravating incident and the extent of the restrictions and disability resulting therefrom; (4) the nature of the symptoms and extent of medical treatment following the aggravating incident; (5) the nature and extent of the employee’s work duties and non-work activities during the relevant period; and (6) medical opinions on the issue.

Denials and disputes based on an actual or alleged pre-existing condition are some of the most common disputes we see in our Minnesota workers’ compensation law practice. For most workers hurt on the job, if there is any suggestion or evidence of a pre-existing condition, there is a strong probability that the workers’ compensation insurance company will deny or dispute the workers’ compensation claim. We fight these issues on a regular basis, and we win these fights on a regular basis. The key is having solid medical evidence evaluating the factors listed above.

I’ve seen workers’ compensation insurers deny a back injury claim based on the fact that the worker had a minor back injury 20 years ago. I’ve seen IME doctors characterize a disc herniation as “degenerative” and argue that it pre-dated the injury, even if the worker never had any back pain or medical care prior to the injury. I’ve seen a workers’ compensation back injury claim disputed because the worker had gone to a chiropractor a few times a couple years prior to the injury. I’ve seen a knee injury claim denied because an MRI revealed evidence of degenerative changes in addition to the claimed injury. Just because the insurance company says your injury is not covered, does not mean they’re right! 

In Minnesota workers’ compensation cases involving an actual or an alleged pre-existing condition, disputes with the workers’ compensation insurance company are almost inevitable. For a free, no-obligation Minnesota workers’ compensation case evaluation, call Meuser & Associate at 877-746-5680 or click here to send us an email. 

Causes of Herniated Discs

Disc herniations in the neck and back are some of the most common work-related injuries we see in our Minnesota workers' compensation practice.

A disc herniation is when the intervertebral disc, or the cushion in between the vertebrae in your spine, pushes or bulges out, or even ruptures. A bulging or ruptured disc can cause significant pain, or even spinal cord or nerve compression. Herniated discs in the neck and back are usually caused by 1) wear and tear, 2) injury, or 3) a combination of wear and tear and injury.

Herniated Discs Caused by Wear and Tear on the Spine 

A herniated disc is often the result of daily wear and tear on the spine. This is also known as disc degeneration. The spine carries and helps distribute our weight, and the intervertebral discs act as shock absorbers for movements such as walking, twisting, and bending. Discs can wear out over the course of time. The tough outer layer of the disc, or the annulus fibrous, can start to weaken over time, allowing the jelly-like inner layer of the disc, known as the nucleus pulposus, to push through, creating a bulging or herniated disc.

Herniated Discs From Injury 

Injury to the spine can also cause a herniated disc. For example, a car accident or fall at work can cause a herniated disc when the sudden jerking motion or force puts too much pressure on the disc, causing it to herniate. You can also herniate a disc by lifting a heavy object incorrectly, or by extreme twisting.

Herniated Discs From a Combination of Wear and Tear and Injury 

An intervertebral disc that has been weakened by wear and tear, or degeneration, can make it more susceptible to herniation, should you experience a traumatic event. If a disc is already weakened by degeneration, even minor traumas, such as bending awkwardly, or even sneezing, can cause a disc to herniate.

Different doctors sometimes use the term “disc herniation” to mean slightly different things, but they are often categorized as four types:

1. Disc degeneration. During the first stage of a herniation, the nucleus pulposus weakens due to changes in the disc associated with wear and tear. 
2. Prolapse.  During the second stage, the form or position of the disc changes. A slight bulge or protrusion may begin to form, which may impinge the spinal cord or nerve roots. 
3. Extrusion. During the third stage, the nucleus pulposus breaks through the annulus fibrosis, but still remains within the disc. 
4. Sequestration. During the final stage, the nucleus pulposus may break through the annulus fibrosus and move outside the disc into the spinal canal. 

In Minnesota, if you’ve sustained a herniated disc as a result of your work activities, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, including medical expense benefits, wage loss benefits, permanent partial disability benefits, and rehabilitation benefits.

Whether you have a herniated disc that was caused by an injury, one that was caused by wear and tear, or one that was caused by a combination of both, your injury may be covered by workers’ compensation so long as your work activities were a substantial contributing factor in the development of your disc herniation.

For a free, no-obligation workers’ compensation consultation to learn more about your rights under Minnesota workers’ compensation law, contact Meuser & Associate at 877-746-5680, or click here to send us an email to schedule an appointment with one of our attorneys. 

Degenerative Disc Disease and MN Workers’ Comp: Exercise and Physical Therapy for Pain Management

Degenerative disc disease is one of the most common causes of low back and neck pain, and it can significantly impact your ability to do your normal day to day activities, and your ability to work.

Degenerative disc disease refers to changes to the spinal discs from chronic wear and tear or injury. There are a variety of treatment options for degenerative disc disease, including exercise and physical therapy. For individuals suffering from degenerative disc disease, a regular routine of back or neck exercises can prevent neck or back pain and/or reduce the frequency, severity, and duration of flare-ups. Stretching exercises can improve range of motion, which in turn, can reduce neck or back pain. Strengthening exercises can help stabilize the spinal segments, and stronger muscles can help compensate for degenerated discs. Before beginning an exercise or therapy program, consult with your spinal specialist.

In the context of workers’ compensation, in many cases, degenerative disc disease is a condition that is covered for work comp benefits. The condition itself may be caused by an employee’s work activities, or an employee’s work activities may have substantially contributed to the condition.
Alternatively, an employee may suffer an aggravation of underlying degenerative disc disease, which is covered by workers’ compensation.

While the term “degenerative disc disease” refers to a medical condition, for workers’ compensation insurance adjusters, the term is also a legal defense to a claim for benefits. In plain language, what that means is that if you are injured at work, and you are diagnosed with degenerative disc disease, or there’s even a reference to degenerative disc disease in your medical records, be prepared for the work comp. adjuster to deny your claim on the basis that your condition is pre-existing.

Just because the workers’ compensation insurance company says your condition is pre-existing, doesn’t mean they’re right! 

In many cases, an individual’s work activities caused, or substantially contributed to, wear and tear on the spine over time, resulting in degenerative disc disease. That is a condition that IS covered by workers’ compensation, and is often referred to as a repetitive motion injury, or a Gillette-type injury.

In other cases, an individual’s work activities or an injury substantially aggravated or accelerated pre-existing degenerative disc disease. Again, in that instance, the injury IS covered by workers’ compensation.

If you are suffering from degenerative disc disease as a result of your work activities, you can expect that the workers’ compensation carrier will dispute your claim. It is important to speak with a Minnesota workers’ compensation lawyer to protect your rights. For a free, no-obligation consultation, contact Meuser & Associate at 877-746-5680 or click here to send us an email.

Good Posture Key to Preventing Back Pain at Work

Back injuries are the single most common type of work-related injury that we see in our Minnesota workers’ compensation legal practice.

According to WebMD good posture while standing or sitting is an important way to prevent back pain. Check your posture by standing with your heels against a wall. Your calves, buttocks, shoulders, and the back of your head should the wall. You should be able to fit your hand between the wall and the small of your back. If your posture changes when you step away from the wall, correct it to the position you were in when you were standing against the wall. If you stand for long periods of time at work, wear flat shoes with good arch support, and use a 6 inch box or step to rest one foot on periodically.

While seated, a good work chair should support your hips comfortably, but the backs of your knees should not touch the seat. The back of the chair should be set at an angle of approximately ten degrees, and it should comfortably cradle the small of your back. Your feet should rest flat on the floor. Your forearms should rest on your desk or work surface with your elbows at a right angle.

Work activities that require you to stand or remain seated for prolonged periods or in awkward positions can lead to neck or back injuries and chronic neck or back pain. For a free, no-obligation Minnesota workers’ compensation consultation, call Meuser & Associate at 877-746-5680, or click here to send us an email to schedule an appointment with one of our attorney to learn about your workers' compensation rights.

Facet Joint Disorders and Back Pain: MN Workers’ Compensation

One common source of neck and back pain among our Minnesota workers’ compensation clients is facet joint disorders. Facet joints are small stabilizing joints located between and behind the vertebra of the spine. Facet joints prevent excessive motion, over-twisting, and slipping of the vertebrae. They slide on each other and are normally coated by a very low friction, moist cartilage. A small sack or capsule provides lubricant for the facet joint.

The facet joints are in almost constant motion with the spine, and they often become degenerated, or wear out, due to overuse. When facet joints become worn or the cartilage is torn, bone spurs can develop in adjacent areas. This can cause considerable pain with movement and is known as “facet joint disease” or “facet joint syndrome.”

Diagnosing facet joint problems can be difficult because the symptoms can be similar to other types of conditions, such as a herniated disc, a vertebral fracture, or a torn muscle. Symptoms of facet joint problems can include:

• Acute episodes of neck or back pain a few times a month or year. 
• Persistent point tenderness overlying the inflamed facet joints. 
• Loss of spinal muscle flexibility, also known as guarding. 
• More discomfort with backward leaning than forward leaning. 
• Radiating pain down the buttock and the back of the upper leg. 
• Locally radiating pain, or pain into the shoulders or upper back. 

Diagnosing facet joint problems often involves x-rays or a CT scan. Facet joint injections can also be used to diagnose a facet joint problem if a patient experiences pain relief following the injections.

There are a number of treatment options for facet joint disorders that can help with reducing the severity, persistence, and frequency of flare-ups. Conservative measure can include physical therapy and exercise, heat or cold therapy, avoiding static position, use of anti-inflammatory medications, chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation, and traction. More invasive options can include facet joint injections, facet rhizotomy, or fusion surgery.

Diagnosing facet joint problems often involves eliminating other possible causes of neck or back pain. This can be a frustrating process. It can also lead to disputes in workers’ compensation cases due to the difficulty in diagnosing the condition. As a rule, the more difficulty a condition is to diagnose, the more difficulty a patient will have securing the medical care they need from their workers’ compensation insurer.

Visit Spine-Health.com for more information about facet joint problems. 

If you’ve suffering from facet joint problems, or any other back problem, due to a work injury or your work activities, we can help make sure you get the medical care you need. We can also make sure you get the Minnesota workers’ compensation benefits you’re entitled to if you’re having difficulty doing your job because of your symptoms. For a free, no obligation consultation, contact Meuser & Associate at 877-746-5680 or click here to send us an email. 

Good News About Chronic Back Pain: Research Study Shows that Many People Do Recover

By far the most common work-related injuries we see in our Minnesota workers’ compensation law practice are back injuries. Unfortunately, back injuries are probably also one of the most disputed types of injuries.

Some common reasons for the workers’ compensation insurance company to deny your claim include a gap of time between the time your back pain develops, and the time you break down and seek medical care, suggestion that you have a pre-existing condition, suggesting that your injury occurred outside the workplace, denying on the basis that if you did sustain a back injury, it was just a temporary strain, and that your injury developed over time as opposed to developing as a result of a specific incident.

The good news is, back pain is not necessarily a permanent condition. I ran across an article on WebMD about a research study done in Australia on 973 people who reported the onset of low back pain.

The low back pain became chronic, meaning that it lasted for at least three months, among 259 of the 973 patients, or approximately 27%. Of those patients, almost half, or 47%, had recovered completely within a year.

Of all the people in the study, within nine months, 35% had recovered completely, and within a year 42% had recovered completely.

Popular opinion has been that once back pain becomes chronic, recovery is unlikely. What this study shows is that a large portion of chronic back pain sufferers did in fact recover completely within a year.

Interestingly, the study also indicated that the patients who didn't recover from their back pain within a year were more likely to have taken sick leave for back pain in the past, to have had higher levels of disability or intense back pain when their back pain began, to have lower levels of education, to consider themselves at high risk of persistent pain, and to be from another country.

While the study does provide evidence that people with chronic back pain can and do in fact recover, the study did not evaluate the effectiveness of the various treatments received by the patients participating in the study. So, the question as to which type of treatment works best to heal low back pain remains to be determined.

If you’ve suffered a work-related back injury, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, including medical expense benefits, wage loss benefits, permanent partial disability benefits, and rehabilitation benefits. For a free, no-obligation consultation to learn more about your Minnesota workers’ compensation rights, call us at 877-746-5680, or click here to send us an email.

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Do I Need an MRI?

The MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) was developed in the 1980’s and has been used since that time to diagnose and treat back pain. The MRI is considered to be the single best imaging technique to determine the cause of back pain and to develop a treatment plan. MRI’s provide a detailed image of the spinal anatomy, including the anatomy of discs, nerve roots, and bony structures.

MRI scans are useful for:

• Assessing the health of the intervertebral discs
• Revealing fractures not seen on x-rays or CT scans
• Diagnosing tumors or infection in the spine
• Diagnosing disc herniations and nerve impingement
• Assessing the success of a surgical intervention

An MRI works by rotating a magnet around the patient which causes a reaction in the hydrogen atoms in the body. The hydrogen atoms emit a small amount of radiation that is recorded in the form of an image.

While an MRI can be useful in diagnosing a cause for back pain and developing a treatment plan, results of an MRI should not be read in isolation, but should be viewed as part of the patient’s entire medical situation. For instance, an “abnormality” that is revealed on an MRI does not always pinpoint the problem. Studies have shown that approximately 30% of the general population have an MRI-indicated disc abnormality, but no back pain.

MRI results should be correlated with a patient’s symptoms, including duration, location, and severity of pain, and any neurological deficits on physical examination.

An MRI of the spine is usually indicated in the following situations, although you and your doctor should make all treatment decisions:

• After 4 to 6 weeks of leg pain, if the pain is severe.
• After 3 to 6 months of the low back pain, if the pain is severe.
• If the back pain is accompanied by constitutional symptoms (such as loss of appetite, weight loss, fever, chills, shakes, or severe pain) which may indicate a spinal tumor or infection.
• For patients who are considering an epidural injection.
• For patients who do not experience expected improvement following spinal surgery.

If an individual is experiencing bowel or bladder incontinence or progressive weakness in the legs due to nerve damage, usually an MRI should be ordered immediately.

Workers’ compensation insurance companies very commonly refuse to approve an MRI that’s been ordered for an injured worker, whether it is to diagnose a suspected herniation, or to assess a patient’s improvement after a course of conservative care, or in anticipation of surgery. Don’t ignore disputes with the workers’ compensation insurance company!

If you’re having difficulty getting the medical treatment you need for your work injury, or to learn more about your Minnesota workers’ compensation rights, contact Meuser & Associates at 877-746-5680, or click here to send us an email.

What is a Microdiscectomy: MN Workers’ Compensation

A microdiscectomy or microdecompression spine surgery involves the removal of a small piece of bone and/or disc material that is impinging on a spinal nerve root. A microdiscectomy is typically performed for a herniated lumbar disc to relive leg pain or radiculopathy.

Impingement on a nerve root can cause significant leg pain, discomfort, tingling, and/or numbness. After a microdiscectomy, it can take weeks or months for a nerve root to fully heal, most patient feel relief from leg pain almost immediately following a microdiscectomy spine surgery.

According to Spine-Health.com, a microdiscectomy is performed through a small (1 inch to 1 1/2 inch) incision in the midline of the low back.

• First, the back muscles (erector spinae) are lifted off the bony arch (lamina) of the spine. Since these back muscles run vertically, they can be moved out of the way rather than cut.
• The surgeon is then able to enter the spine by removing a membrane over the nerve roots (ligamentum flavum), and uses either operating glasses (loupes) or an operating microscope to visualize the nerve root.
• Often, a small portion of the inside facet joint is removed both to facilitate access to the nerve root and to relieve pressure over the nerve.
• The nerve root is then gently moved to the side and the disc material is removed from under the nerve root.

A miscrodiscectomy spine surgery may be an appropriate treatment option for individuals suffering from leg pain due to a disc herniation for a period of at least six weeks, and that individual has not found sufficient pain relief with conservative therapies, such as oral steroids, NSAID’s, and physical therapy.

To watch a video from Spine-Health.com to learn how a microdiscectomy can help relieve pain caused by a herniated disc, click here.

Back injuries, including lumbar disc herniations, are one of the most common work-related injuries we see in our Minnesota workers’ compensation practice. Back injuries can also be very contentious cases within the Minnesota workers’ compensation system. You may be entitled to a variety of Minnesota workers’ compensation benefits if you sustained a work-related back injury, including medical expense benefits, wage loss benefits, permanency benefits, and/or rehabilitation benefits.

For a free, no-obligation case consultation to learn about your rights under the Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Act contact Meuser & Associates at 877-746-5680, or click here to send us an email to schedule a time to speak with one of our workers’ compensation attorneys.

Common Causes of Work-Related Back Injuries

Back injuries account for 20 percent of all injuries and illnesses in the workplace, affecting over 1 million workers annually. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) estimates that back injuries cost between $20 to $50 billion per year, and one forth of workers’ compensation monetary claims involve back injuries.

Back injuries are the most common type of injury we see in our Minnesota workers’ compensation law practice.

Some of the most common causes of back injuries include:

• Reaching while lifting
• Poor posture while sitting or standing
• Prolonged static positions
• Lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying things improperly
• Poor workstation design
• Lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying things that are too heavy
• Twisting while lifting
• Bending while lifting
• Prolonged awkward postures
• Fatigue
• Poor footing, including slippery floors
• Vibration from machines or equipment

Unfortunately, back injuries can be extremely painful and may even be disabling. If you've sustained a back injury on the job in Minnesota, you may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits, including medical expense benefits, wage loss benefits, permanency benefits, and/or rehabilitation benefits. 

If you’ve sustained a back injury on the job, contact Meuser & Associates at 877-746-5680 or click here to send us an email to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our lawyers to learn about your Minnesota workers’ compensation rights.

What is a Pinched Nerve?

Nerves extent from the brain through the spinal cord into the arms and legs and transmit messages in the form of electrical impulses to and from the brain and throughout the body. Nerves that extent from the spine into the arms or legs are called peripheral nerves.

If the nerve is pinched, the flow of messages is reduced or blocked. If the nerve is pinched or blocked long enough, the nerve may lose its ability to transmit electrical charges, and the muscles controlled by those nerves may not function properly, or the skin linked to that nerve may feel numb.

A nerve may become “pinched” as it leaves the spine by a herniated disc or bone spurs.

The symptoms of a pinched nerve depend on which nerve is being affected. A pinched nerve in the low back often includes radiating pain or numbness down the leg. A pinched nerve in the neck can cause pain or numbness in the arm and hand.

Muscle spasms and strains can also put pressure on a nerve, causing temporary pinched-nerve like symptoms. If your pinched nerve symptoms are caused by muscle spasm or sprain, you may be able to relieve those symptoms by:

• Alternating between heat and ice on the painful area
• Taking a hot shower
• Laying down with a rolled up towel under your neck
• Using a handheld massager
• Getting a massage
• Do range of motion stretches
• Take a light walk
• Take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory

If you’ve suffered a pinched nerve as the result of a Minnesota work injury, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. For a free, no-obligation consultation to learn about your legal rights, call Meuser & Associates at 877-746-5680 or click here to send us an email.

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries Caused by MN Car Accidents and Work Injuries

Even minor damage to the spinal cord can result in catastrophic injury. Approximately 250,000 Americans currently live with a significant spinal cord injury. Of these Americans, 52% suffer from paraplegia, which means they have suffered a spinal cord injury in the thoracic (mid-back) or lumbar (low back) area, and 47% suffer from quadriplegia, which means they have significant injury to their spinal cord in the cervical (neck) spine. It is estimated that about 12,000 people per year suffer spinal cord injuries.

Spinal cord injuries refer to damage to the spinal cord, which results in paralysis, impairment in normal functioning, decreased mobility, and loss of sensation. Most spinal cord injuries are caused in work-related accidents (28%) or motor vehicle accidents (24%).

Symptoms of spinal cord injury include:

• Loss of sensation and movement;
• Loss of bowel or bladder control;
• Back pain or neck pain;
• Difficulty breathing;
• Weakness;
• Paralysis;
• Numbness in extremities;
  

Different levels of the spine control different functions in the body. As a result, the level at which the spinal cord injury occurs is usually determinative as to the level of impairment.

Cervical Injuries

Cervical (neck) injuries usually result in full or partial tetraplegia (Quadriplegia).

• C3 vertebrae and above : Typically results in loss of diaphragm function, necessitating the use of a ventilator for breathing.
• C4 : Results in significant loss of function at the biceps and shoulders.
• C5 : Results in potential loss of function at the shoulders and biceps, and complete loss of function at the wrists and hands.
• C6 : Results in limited wrist control, and complete loss of hand function.
• C7 and T1 : Results in lack of dexterity in the hands and fingers, but allows for limited use of arms. C7 is generally the threshold level for retaining functional independence.
  

Thoracic injuries

Injuries at or below the thoracic spinal levels result in paraplegia. Function of the hands, arms, neck, and breathing is usually not affected.

• T1 to T8 : Results in the inability to control the abdominal muscles. Accordingly, trunk stability is affected. The lower the level of injury, the less severe the effects.
• T9 to T12 : Results in partial loss of trunk and abdominal muscle control.
  

Lumbar and Sacral injuries

The effects of injuries to the lumbar or sacral regions of the spinal cord are decreased control of the legs and hips, urinary system, and anus.

If you’ve sustained a spinal injury as a result of a work-injury or car accident, contact Meuser & Associates at 877-746-5680 or click here to send us an email, for a free, no-obligation consultation. Make sure you get the benefits you are entitled to.