You bent down to lift something at work, felt a sharp twinge in your lower back, and now pain shoots down your leg when you sit. You could have a herniated disc, which might make it hard to work, sleep, drive, and do household chores. Injured employees may want to start by reporting the injury to their employer and looking for suitable workers’ compensation doctors.
In this guide, Workers’ Comp Doctors will explain herniated disc treatment options after a heavy lifting injury at work. You can find out how heavy lifting can damage a spinal disc and what symptoms to expect.
How Heavy Lifting Can Lead to a Herniated Disc
Your spine has soft, rubbery discs between its bones that act like shock absorbers. Disc herniations happen when the jelly-like center of one of these discs pushes through a tear in its tougher outer layer. Heavy lifting, especially while bending or twisting, can cause or worsen such a tear.
According to a follow-up of the Copenhagen Male Study, which followed 5,245 men for 33 years, frequent strenuous physical activity at work was associated with a higher risk of hospitalization for herniated lumbar disc disease. Leisure-time physical activity showed no clear association.
Signs of a Herniated Disc After Lifting at Work
A herniated disc doesn’t always feel like ordinary back soreness. Watch for these symptoms after a lifting injury at work:
- Radiating pain in your buttock, leg, or arm
- Numbness or tingling along the path of an irritated nerve
- Muscle weakness that may show up as trouble lifting your foot or gripping objects
- Pain with coughing or sneezing
Loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness in your groin area, can signal a medical emergency.
What Is the Treatment for a Herniated Disc?
According to the World Health Organization, low back pain affected 619 million people globally in 2020 and is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Many people can get relief through herniated disc treatments that do not involve surgery. According to StatPearls, over 85% of acute herniated disc symptoms resolve within 8 to 12 weeks with conservative management.
Your doctor will likely build a plan around your symptoms, exam findings, and job demands. Common treatment options for herniated discs include:
- Medication: Anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, or nerve pain medicine
- Physical therapy: Guided exercises to strengthen and stabilize your spine
- Injections: Epidural steroid injections or nerve blocks for short-term pain relief
- Work modifications: Lightened duties, lifting restrictions, or short rest breaks
According to a StatPearls review, spontaneous resorption of a lumbar disc herniation occurs in up to 66.66% of cases. This means that the herniated material may shrink on its own over time. Procedures such as microdiscectomy may be recommended when pain or nerve problems don’t improve with more conservative options.
How Physical Therapy Supports Work-Related Back Injury Rehabilitation
Physical therapy for work-related back injuries often focuses on strengthening your core and improving flexibility. Following your prescribed treatment plan supports your recovery and documents your ongoing care.
Your therapist might start you on low-impact activities like walking or stationary biking, and add exercises like pelvic tilts or bridges. Physical therapy for workplace back pain may also cover gentle hamstring stretches to ease nerve-related leg pain and lifting techniques you can use on the job once you’re cleared.
Prioritize Workplace Back Injury Treatment and Recovery With Workers’ Comp Doctors
Recovering from a work-related back injury may involve reporting the injury, receiving medical care, and following the treatment plan. Keep records of your appointments and expenses during your herniated disc treatment period, and consider asking your provider about common work injuries to avoid once you get cleared.
If you would like to know more about the process or lower back pain treatments, call Workers’ Comp Doctors at (888) 533-0870. Doctors listed in our directory accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about herniated discs from a work-related injury.
Does Workers’ Compensation Cover a Herniated Disc?
Workers’ compensation may cover a herniated disc if you can show it happened at work or resulted from your job duties.
Should I Use Ice or Heat for a Herniated Disc?
You may use ice or heat for a herniated disc. Ice may help reduce inflammation, while heat may relax tight muscles. Follow your provider’s recommendations.
Do I Need an MRI Before Herniated Disc Treatment?
You may not need an MRI before starting treatment. A doctor may recommend imaging if symptoms persist or if signs of nerve compression appear.