Workers' Compensation Discussion Forums

I need your thoughts, expertise, and advice. In June I had my second discectomy/laminectomy on L4-L5. I also have two bulging discs at L4-L3 and L5-S1. My wc dr had given me restrictions of no frequent lifting over 20# and occasional lifting over 50# and no constant repetiteve bending. He didn't add the 50# until I said that no lifting over 20# wouldn't work well at my job. I know I was stupid to say anything. No one I have talked to has ever heard of a dr putting no constant repetitive bending in restrictions.

I think that what is causing me to hurt so bad at work is all of the bending I do. Standing and walking all day on cement probably doesn't help much either. I figured out that I bend approximately 500 times a day. That doesn't include if I drop something and have to pick it up. After taking out lunch and break time, I probably work about six hours a day. Seems like a lot of bending for someone with my back issues. From what I have read, people with bulging discs and people who have had surgery for herniated discs really should limit how much they bend.

My questions are should I be bending that much? Is the amount of bending I am doing likely adding to my pain? How can I get the dr to change my restrictions as far as the bending goes?

I have had the last week and a half off of work and my back and legs aren't hurting as much. There is still pain and discomfort, but it's a 2 or 3 instead of a 7 or 8. The other day I washed and folded clothes and washed sheets and put them back on the bed. By the time I had done that I was back up to a 7 pain level. That's one reason I think the bending is causing me so much pain.

What do you all think? Thanks for your input and help. You all are the best!

Just thought of something else. My lawyers dr said my restrictions should include no bending and when I went to the walk in clinic, the PA there said I should not be bending.

KS - my restrictions include no bending, stooping...hope this helps. I don't remember/know what kind of job you do. Whatever it is it sounds like you need to quit doing all of the bending. Sorry this sounds short, am doing 2 things at once and is very hard on my mind, LOL

Ksgirl

When I was receiving services for my back last summer the first restriction I was given was no bending.

Physical therapy did show me adaptions I could do to keep from bending.

Maybe you just need more time to heal in spite of what W/C says. In a thread somewhere on here someone mentioned a year healing time I think.

KS, my injury was to the L5-S1 disc. When I was working with restrictions, some of the restrictions were ( the restrictions were based on time frames ) 0 hours of kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, and 0 hours of twisting.

The bending that you are doing could be counter active to the healing process of the disc that are buldging.

You need to let the wc dr. know what is going on.

Thanks everyone. Now I just need to figure out how to get this wc dr to change my restrictions. He has really turned out to be a WC DR.

Yes and no Ksgirl,,,,,bending 500 Time,s,,, to much,,,,Stretching is very good for your body, If you start slowly ,,,say 10 reps a day,bending your back,but from side to side ,this should help,,,,,It,s not gonna happen right away,but in time you,ll see a big differance,,,,,BUT NO!!!!! not 500 time,s .

Ksgirl,
I haven't had surgery yet, but with my lumbar spine problems, bulging disc etc. My restrictions are no bending, stooping or twisting, as well as a lifting limit of 10 pounds occasionally. Even when I had my FCE done in Sept. before my car accident, it said never on the bending, stooping or twisting. I'm also on sedentary duty as well. I personally think your bending too much. My therapist even suggested that I get down on one knee when unloading the clothes dryer, to keep from stressing the lumbar spine.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Vickie

Ksgirl,
Bending 500 x a day, every day, is excessive! Especially after back surgery, or an injury to the back...even if you were to be healed up 100% it seems excessive...IMO.
i too believe the bending may be aggrevating your condition or is hindering you from healing properly...be careful!
Prayers for you, Lilly

ksgirl>>I'm with the group. On my 3rd back injury/no surgeries. The first two injuries I returned to work with no restrictions. My lifting requirement is 50#. After returning the 1st time it took 3 years to bulge 2 more disks and this time my knee went also since I had been taught to squat when I lift. The weight of 50# did a number on my kee also. Returned to work and next time it took only 18 months to bulge 4 disks in my lumbar, my knee buckled and I tore two tendons in my ankle which is now weak from lifting, tore my rotator cup from overhead lifting and have a neck that is reallly mess up from the overhead lifting. Just wanted you to know that even though I haven't had surgery I have a bad back. Anything from a light bend (which I think hurts the worst) to a full bend will create more problems and pain for you. I am really trying to learn how to do housework without hurting so much afterwards. I feel you need to tell your treating Dr. straight up that when you bend you are in horrific pain and just can't take it anymore. God bless.


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