A directly or indirectly injured spine can result in pain that’s temporary or long-lasting and disruptive to both your personal and professional life. If the injury that contributed to your symptoms happened at work or as a result of someone’s negligence, you may be planning to seek compensation for things like medical expenses and pain and suffering. One of the first steps you should take when starting this process is to see a Los Angeles spine surgeon. Here’s why.
Get a Verified Diagnosis
You won’t be able to file a valid compensation claim by simply saying you’ve had neck or back pain at work for the last few months. Insurance companies, attorneys, and human resource departments need proof other than your verbal claim of having spine-related discomfort. One of the most important reasons to see a spine specialist is to get an accurate diagnosis that can be verified with test results. A diagnosis typically involves:
- Image tests
- Laboratory results
- Specialized tests like nerve conduction studies
- A general assessment of what type of treatment may be needed
Document Symptoms Before Your Memory Fades
Not all symptoms associated with spine pain will remain consistent. In other words, you may have days when you have little or no discomfort and others when you feel pain in a slightly different way. If you give varying descriptions of your symptoms, the insurance company is more likely to deny your claim or become suspicious. A spine specialist can help you maintain consistency by documenting your experienced symptoms. Another option to consider is keeping a journal where you:
- Describe work-related activities that seem to trigger spine pain
- Provide detailed descriptions of your discomfort when it occurs
- Discuss instances of how symptoms are affecting your personal life
Meet Compensation Claim Requirements
To file a claim, some employers require a medical evaluation. Even if this isn’t a requirement from your employer, it never hurts to err on the side of caution and have your spine issues documented.
Reveal Possible Hidden Spine Conditions
Pain from muscle strain tends to be aggravated by certain movements, so you may assume this is the source of your spine-related symptoms. However, this may not be the case. If you put off pursuing a compensation claim under the assumption your discomfort isn’t anything too serious, you may be increasing your risk of developing long-term spine issues. Symptoms you assume are related to muscle strain may really be associated with:
- Herniated discs
- Structural issues like spinal fractures
- Conditions caused by nerve compression, such as sciatica
Gain Peace of Mind
Spine pain is both physical and mental in nature. Whether you are seeking compensation due to a work-related injury or a personal injury related to a car accident, not knowing the likely source of your pain could contribute to added stress and anxiety. Getting a diagnosis from a spine specialist can also help with recovery by:
- Reducing the stress that sometimes contributes to spine pain
- Giving you a better of idea of what you may be able to do right now to ease pain triggers
- Easing your uncertainty since a spine specialist can provide a general idea of how treatable your spine issue is
If you know you’ll need a medical evaluation for a compensation claim, ask if the spine specialist you plan to see provides medical testimony when necessary. Even if he or she doesn’t, a well-prepared report with supporting evidence may be helpful when facing workers’ compensation requirements and personal injury claims. The same evidence may come in handy should any issues come up with your health insurance provider. If it turns out you need minimally invasive spine surgery, Los Angeles is home to the amazing spinal surgeons at The Spine Institute. Call 310-828-7757 today to schedule an appointment.