Workers comp neck pain can come from several anatomical sources but the causative factor for workers compensation purposes is either a single traumatic injury or job duties over time.
Symptoms from neck problems vary. They depend on your condition and which neck structures are affected. Some of the more common symptoms of neck problems are
neck pain
headaches
pain spreading into the upper back or down the arm
neck stiffness and reduced range of motion
muscle weakness in the shoulder, arm, or hand
sensory changes (numbness, prickling, or tingling) in the forearm, hand, or fingers
The cervical spine is formed by the first seven vertebrae and their discs. The vertebrae are stacked on top of each other, separated by the discs. The hollow rings of the vertebrae surround the spinal cord protecting it as it passes down the spine.
As the spinal cord travels from the brain down through the spine, it sends out nerve branches between each vertebrae called nerve roots. These nerve roots join together to form the nerves that travel throughout the body and form the body’s electrical system. The nerve roots that come out of the cervical spine form the nerves that go to the arms and hands. The thoracic spine nerves go to the abdomen and chest. The nerves coming out of the lumbar (lower) spine go to the organs of the pelvis, the legs, and the feet.
Each spinal segment includes two vertebrae separated by an intervertebral disc, the nerves that leave the spinal cord at that level, and the small facet joints that link each vertebrae in the back.
The disc normally works like a shock absorber protecting the spine against the daily pull of gravity and job duties like lifting, pulling, twisting and turning.
An intervertebral disc is made up of two parts. The center, called the nucleus, is spongy. It provides most of the ability to absorb shock. The nucleus is held in place by the annulus, a series of strong ligament rings surrounding it. Ligaments are strong connective tissues that attach bones to other bones.
Two spinal nerves exit the sides of each spinal segment, one on the left and one on the right. As the nerves leave the spinal cord, they pass through a small bony tunnel on each side of the vertebra, called a neural foramen. A slipped disc, ruptured disc, disc bulge or disc herniation can cause nerve impingement and neck pain.
In Milwaukee, Wisconsin [nap_names id=”FIRM-NAME-1″] represents injured workers with a neck disability from an on the job injury. The key is honest and trustworthy documentation in the medical records forming a foundation for expert medical opinions. Believe in better.
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