I went to the doctor about 4 months ago with pain in my right shoulder and down my right arm. Doctor said it was shoulder tendonitis and prescribed me prednisone, flexaril and naproyxn. Went back in 2 weeks and it wasn't any better so she referred me to an Orthopedic. Orthopedic has diagnosed me with Cervical DDD. He had me do physical therapy at home for a month and that did no good. He went back over my xrays again and this time he had me go get an MRI, Now he finds out that my c6 and c7 are petruding into my spinal cord and is going to refer me to a Neurosergeon. My job requires alot of heavy lifting, pulling and pushing. Im concerned it will cause more damage if i continue to do my job as required. I asked my orthopedic doctor and he said to discuss all this with my neurosergeon. I have yet to get an appt with the neurosergeon so im asking for advise up here.

Hi k.hancock and welcome to NeuroTalk.Here is the link to our Spinal Disorders Forum...http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum22.html

There you will hopefully find some answers to your question. I'm glad you've joined us but am sorry for the reason.

Will your work let you do light duty? Do you know how you injured your spine? If it were me I would try and protect my back but I understand the bills still have to be paid.

Hope you feel better.

No the company doesnt allow light duty. I finally got appt with neurosurgeon. I see him on the17th of aug. Idk how i injured my spine. Dr said it could have happened when i was younget and just didnt know or just wear and tear from type of work ive done over the years. Im just afraid of doing more damage by doing what i do for a living. Thank you for your comment.

Do you have co-workers who can help you out here? If you typically work in a group of two or more it might be possible to minimize the stress to your back. You may not be able to be out of work but you may be able to minimize the bending, twisting and let your legs bear most of the weight.

Hope you feel better.

Yeah i have 3 co-workers but alot of times sum1 is always out and we cant always help each other out bc every1 is assigned a task for the day. I do call for help if i feel its to much for me on my own. Even when i get help i still feel it in my neck m by the end of the day i cant turn my head.

I'd check your state website & work comp rules, just in case.
If a larger company often they will make a job for injured employees, to limit time/ loss/ monies (ie having to pay if you are written off work) but less chance with smaller limited companies.

And maybe consult/interview with some good wc attys to get their opinion on "what if's" - if aggravation to a preexisting condition is a solid case for a work comp claim?
vs if this is a new injury vs just happened to show up now.

Some drs are not interested in pursuing work comp injury & claims, so you might need new drs.
A wc atty may have a drs list of helpful drs.

Drs & atty should ask these or similar questions below to help sort out if a new, or aggravating factor, and if possible work injury.

Do you have any history of treatment for pain or symptoms of this previously?
Any family history of DDD at all?

Do you recall a time at work where you had a minor twinge and it got better? It could even be something like that , and with time and use it got worse.

I will check into it. I dont recall any problems like this until now. If i knew for sure this was caused from all the years of doing this job i would file a claim. Ive never been thru anything like this so i just dont know what to do. Thanks for your suggestions

Do you live in the US? If so when your co. allows you to work they are possibly liable for at least part of your injury. By allowing you to work when they already know you are injured. Be very careful here as this is a grey area depending on the state you live in.

Many WC attorneys have thier fees set by the state. Most states have clear rulings on what compensation is. Long story short get some advice from an atty. DO NOT be in a hurry to settle. DO NOT tell you employer you are seeking advice. You are under no obligation to tell your employer anything when seeking compensation.

If your employer is demanding you work or quit then you already know they will not be considerate if you seek workers comp. Do not be concerned about that in the least. Workers comp was originally started to protect both companys and workers under these circumstances. You can bet your company will try to minimize their cost in this matter. Try to not take it personally it is them doing what they think is good business.

Get some advice sooner rather than later. Look for an atty with experience with your type of injury and beware anyone who wants to rush to settle. Best of luck.

k.hancock,

Hello and welcome each of you to NeuroTalk. Happy to see you have come to be with us. Here are a great number of dear friends to listen when you are in need of ears. Please let us know how we can help you out. You will find out we are supportive and relaxing place.

Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Darlene