Retired Detroit Red Wing shares his perspective on back pain at local forum.
Saint Joseph Mercy Health System recently sponsored a forum entitled “Oh My Aching Back” at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi. Retired Detroit Red Wing Chris Chelios was a speaker and commented on the heavy toll that goes along with back pain.
Chelios said the keys to recovering from a back injury are to consult with a doctor, get into a good therapy program and be patient. You can read more of his comments in an article published by the Detroit News.
We find his comments fascinating because professional athletes certainly know about disabling back pain. Here is how our clients face back pain head on.
Pinched nerve
This medical condition refers to pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve from the lower back through hips, buttocks, and down the leg. It is typically caused by a herniated, protruding, or compressed disc.
Symptoms include severe pain, inflammation and numbness down the leg. MRI, CT Scan, and EMG are common tests. These can help isolate the source of pain and guide a doctor with treatment.
Conservative measures usually involve medications, physical therapy, and epidural steroid injections. Some people require surgery to relieve their symptoms. Laminectomy, decompression and fusion are common procedures.
Chronic pain
Pain is a complicated issue because there is no magic test to prove what a person is feeling. We see individuals who are forced back to work even though they cannot tolerate the job.
A serious back injury can be a life changing event that results in permanent restrictions. If a person was always doing heavy work, the transition to a sit-down job can be very difficult.
It is important to speak with a workers comp lawyer if restrictions are not being followed or benefits are cut-off.
Michigan Workers Comp Lawyers never charges a fee to evaluate a potential case. Our law firm has represented injured and disabled workers exclusively for more than 35 years. Call (855) 221-2667 for a free consultation today.
Related information:
Chronic pain as a disabling medical condition under workers compensation
Photo courtesy of Creative Commons, by Just a Prairie Boy.
