Workplace spine injuries can be physically painful, emotionally overwhelming, and financially stressful. Whether caused by a sudden accident or repetitive strain over time, back and neck injuries can significantly affect your ability to work and live comfortably. For injured workers, understanding your injury—and when surgery may be necessary—is an important first step toward recovery.
At Boston Spine Surgery, Dr. Frank X. Pedlow Jr., MD, specializes in treating injured workers with a focus on minimally invasive spine surgery, complex cases, and revision spine surgery when appropriate.
What Are the Most Common Work-Related Spine Injuries?
Spine injuries covered by workers’ compensation often include:
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Degenerative disc disease aggravated by work duties
- Spinal stenosis
- Compression fractures
- Neck and lower back strains or sprains
- Repetitive stress injuries from lifting, bending, or prolonged standing
These injuries are common in physically demanding professions such as construction, healthcare, warehouse work, transportation, manufacturing, and public safety—but they can occur in any job.
What Symptoms Should Injured Workers Watch For?
You should seek prompt medical evaluation if you experience:
- Persistent back or neck pain after a work injury
- Pain that radiates into the arms or legs
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness
- Difficulty standing, walking, or lifting
- Pain that does not improve with rest or conservative care
Early evaluation is critical—not only for your health, but also for proper workers’ compensation documentation.
When Is Spine Surgery Necessary for a Work Injury?
Most work-related spine injuries are treated non-surgically first, using options such as physical therapy, medications, or injections. However, surgery may be recommended when:
- Conservative treatments fail to provide relief
- Nerve compression causes weakness or loss of function
- Structural instability is present
- Pain prevents safe return to work
- A prior spine surgery has failed and revision surgery is required
Dr. Pedlow utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever possible to reduce tissue disruption, shorten recovery time, and help injured workers return to function safely.
How Does Workers’ Compensation Cover Spine Surgery?
Workers’ compensation typically covers medically necessary spine surgery if the injury occurred:
- In the course and scope of employment
- While performing job-related duties
- During work-related travel
Coverage varies by state, but often includes medical treatment, wage replacement benefits, and vocational rehabilitation.
Dr. Pedlow provides thorough medical evaluations and detailed reports to support workers’ compensation claims and surgical authorization.
Why Choose a Spine Surgeon Experienced in Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ comp cases involve more than just medical treatment. Dr. Pedlow works closely with case managers and insurance adjusters to address:
- Return-to-work criteria and restrictions
- Risk assessments
- Physical capability evaluations
- Clear communication and documentation
This collaborative approach helps reduce delays and ensures injured workers receive timely, appropriate care.
Schedule a Workers’ Compensation Spine Evaluation
If you have suffered a work-related back or neck injury, schedule a consultation with Frank X. Pedlow Jr., MD, a board-certified spine surgeon with over 30 years of experience.
Call 617.227.9300 or request a workers’ compensation appointment through our secure online form.