As a construction worker in California, you face a high risk of injury. If you fall from a roof, get struck by a falling object or do a lot of heavy lifting, then you may suffer specifically from back injuries. This may lead to chronic pain. Many people turn to opioids for pain relief. However, as the addiction and overdose epidemic continues to sweep across America, men people now seek out other alternatives.
Workers’ compensation may provide you with the financial support you need until you are back on your feet. However, you may continue to suffer from back pains for years to come, and often, for the rest of your life. To combat this issue, many injured workers now turn to spinal fusion to relieve back pain. In many instances, workers get this covered in their workers’ compensation claim.
MarketWatch cites a study conducted over a 15-year period that examined spinal fusion surgeries that were included in workers’ compensation claims. The study found that men made 64% of the spinal fusion claims and received higher payment amounts than women during that time. Of the claims involving spinal fusions, 62% initially involved sprains and strains.
The article did not establish a clear cause and effect, but 37% of spinal fusion cases also involved mental health disorders. Additionally, 17.1% of cases involved substance abuse and another 29.9% coincided with circulatory problems
Back pains can severely reduce a person’s quality of life. When pain accompanies a life-threatening or disability-inducing injury, then the pain may feel like salt in the wound. Note that spinal fusions may not resolve all back injuries or the related pain. However, you may consider speaking with your medical practitioner to see if this surgery is right for you and how you can get it covered in your workers’ comp claim.
This article provides information on workers’ compensation. It should not be misconstrued as or used in place of medical and legal advice.