Working with and enpingement of the spinal cord.
 

I just found out last week that i have enpingement of the spinal cord @ my c6and c7. Im in constant pain and im waiting for an appt with the neurosergeon. Im worried that the type of work i do is going to make it worse.
I do alot of heavy lifting, pushing and pulling for 8 hrs a day 5-7 days a week. I am to the point i can barely move my neck, I can't sleep at night and its affecting my life and my family. I just want to know if i should go out of work till I get this fixed.

I'm surprised the dr or whoever dx'd the impingement didn't ask you about the kind of work you do.
Is this a job/work comp injury?

It does sound like the work would definitely be aggravating the injury if not the cause of it. At the very least you probably should be on modified work if the employer can/will accommodate you.

Your regular dr should be able to write the limited duties/work restriction note.
You don't have to wait for the neuro to write it.

If there is a possibility of it being a work injury maybe consult (interview) with some wc atty to get their take on if you have a valid claim or not.

You may want to read on our workers compensation forum to get a feel for what that system is like before hand.

You poor thing. You need to be very careful because everything you do with your arms will effect your neck especially with spinal cord impingement.
I have had three ruptured discs in my neck with spinal cord impingement and each time I was not allowed to lift anything heavier than a carton of milk.
Go back and talk to your doctor about your work. There are significant risks involved when there is cord impingement. Future mobility being one of them.
I have had two fusions and an artificial disc at the three levels effected and although my neck is far from perfect it is so much better than it was. You will get immediate relief from surgery. I was surprised at just how sick I had been.
So good luck and let us know how you are getting on.
Libby

I would be straight with my employer and let them kow that I have his problem and heavy lifting is out of the question for now. Maybe they can put you on light duties??

Also since you asked I think you should be very careful with your neck until you get the treatment you need, for your own well being.

Aussie

I agree with the others. Be VERY careful with this! If your cord is impinged, everything you do could make this worse! I would think that your neurosurgeon would give you a slip saying that your work should be limited and give you the limitations. I wouldn't think you should be doing ANY lifting/pushing/pulling of anything that weighs anything. Plus any reaching or twisting either. These things can cause things to worsen in a heartbeat.

Talk to your doc and see about getting validation for this. You need a very sedentary job! Best of luck and keep us posted. Hugs, Lee

K Hancock
 

K Kancock
The risks involved in more damage to your spine is a serious matter to consider. Often times we are not 100% sure how the company we work for will react to our medical needs. I decided honesty would win out and my case added extra support I didn’t expect. I went to HR with the first medical findings and they suggested a medical leave of absence. Without pay…ugh:mad:..no I went to short term disability,they also provided a RN who went with me to appointments, ran errons,set up appointmens, tests, the help was awesome, this lasted for one year at that time the case worker and I agreed we had gone as far as we could at that time so I was put on permanent disability. We pray in your case just light duties, or they may provide an extra service your not aware of. :)Silver