A herniated disk can be a big problem for a New York worker

Any time a worker suffers an injury, it can lead to big problems for his or her ability to work and earn a living. This threat is particularly significant for individuals who suffered an injury to the back, as this type of damage can affect standing, walking and other work-related tasks.

If you are dealing with a herniated disk as the result of your job, you do not have to face the painful aftermath alone. While this may not seem like a major injury, it can significantly impact your life in various ways, and you may require time away from work to fully recover. You could also have a rightful claim to workers’ compensation benefits, which would cover your medical needs and other injury-related costs.

The serious impact of a herniated disk

A herniated disk can occur as the result of poor posture, repeated motions, a one-time accident or more. While this injury often affects the lower back, it can also impact the neck. Typically, a person with a herniated disk will experience some of the following symptoms:

• Arm or leg pain
• Tingling or numbness in parts of the body connected to affected nerves
• Weakness in the muscles connected to affected nerves

Herniated disks are often the result of degeneration over time, but your occupation can have a direct impact on the development and the severity of this type of injury. You may be more at risk for this type of damage to the back or neck if you lift heavy objects as part of your job or were recently involved in a work-related accident.

Other types of back injuries and your rights

Herniated disks are relatively common, but there are many other types of back injuries that affect New York workers. Some of the most common include:

• Severe spinal cord trauma
• Cervical fracture
• Back strain
• Neck strain
• Sciatica
• Fractured vertebrae

No matter what type of injury you have, you have certain rights if your injuries are work related or the result of an accident at work. It is not always easy to secure benefits through workers’ compensation insurance, but you have the right to legal help as you walk through the claims process.

Whether you experienced serious trauma to the back or initially thought that your injury was not that bad, you have the right to recovery. Herniated disks and other types of back injuries are serious, and you have the right to serious legal representation to recover from your work injury. You may find it beneficial to secure the help of a workers’ compensation attorney in order to fully understand your rights and options.