Workers' Compensation Discussion Forums

I,m a 52 year old LVN, with 24 years of experience working in Hospitals. I presently live in Ca. I went out in March of this year on w/c. My work required a lot of lifting and pulling on patients. My MRI's showed a C-4-5 moderate symmetric disc osteophyte complex measuring approximatelt 3mm in AP dimension resulting in mild central stenosis. Uncovertebral hypertrophic change is present right greater than left, resulting in moderate rightsided foraminal narrowing.

C7-T1: Mild to moderate symmetric disc osteophyte complex milding indenting the ventral thecal sac. Along with uncovertebal and mild facet hypertrophic changes, there is moderate bilateral foraminal narrowing.

T1-2 shows moderate posterior disc bulge approximately 2-3mm, resulting in minimal central stenosis

T2-3 Broad-based left paracentral disc protrusion measuring 2-3mm which abuts the left hernicord.

I recently had an epidural with no relief. I was told that it may take several. I do not want to have any more done. The Spine specialist told me that no surgery would fix my problem. He seems to be focused more on my cervical spine. Although my original pain was in my upper back. Now I'm having problems with my left leg. Sometimes I feel like I have no control in my leg and the pain is unbearable.

I do have a w/c lawyer. After my injury, w/c doctor put me on modified duty. Could no tolerate the work.


Is there any one else with a similar diagnosis? Iwould lik to hear from you.

Theresa. welcome to the forum, I wish I could give you some answers but can't. but others will be along shortly and be able to tell you more.

theresa welcome to the best place on earth someone will be along soon that can tell you all you need to know.as there are many here that have neck issues.the epidurals never work for me either and they told the the same time oh it takes several well it still didnt work.sounds like you have some nerve issues going on as well due to the leg pain.maybe they should do a disc o-gram to find what disc or disc's are giving you they pain then look at treament from there.just a thought thats how they found mine but im lumbar and after the disc o-gram they ordered surgey/fusion.good luck my friend keep us up to date we will all help you.thx hurt. (:

Theresa,I'm an RN who was pulling on a patient in ICU and wound up with herniated disc in c3-4,4-5,5-6,6-7 all of this was confirmed by a Myeleogram The IME they sent me to confirmed that this was a work related injury.I am having problems with Rt hand and left leg.I do not want to discourage you but be prepared for a battle as WC will do anything in there power to screw you.I have seen at least five doctors who have confirmed my results,four of which I paid for myself.Fight for your rights.Iam going on two years battling them.Keep your chin up and fight.They have refused to pay for any pain meds for me,so I went to my family doc and got the meds.They do not kill the pain but make tolerable.Good luck!!!!

So if I understand correctly, there was never an actual injury and you are now old enough ( 24 years employment) to have developed DDD/DJD (spondylosis or arthritis) and can no longer tolerate your job duties due to pain.

These common scenarios are very difficult to attribute to work activity as it is a universal finding in the elderly population, In fact cervical spondylotic myelopathy is the most common spinal cord problem in the older population. Genetic predisposition is actually the most common cause. Good luck with your case but you and your atty have a real uphill battle I'm afraid.

Cycler, as you stated, but the injuries noted, could also be caused by repetitive use of the spine. It will take a Doctor though to truely say it is work related. My opinion is, it will be found work related.

Cycler Wrote:So if I understand correctly, there was never an actual injury and you are now old enough ( 24 years employment) to have developed DDD/DJD (spondylosis or arthritis) and can no longer tolerate your job duties due to pain.

These common scenarios are very difficult to attribute to work activity as it is a universal finding in the elderly population, In fact cervical spondylotic myelopathy is the most common spinal cord problem in the older population. Genetic predisposition is actually the most common cause. Good luck with your case but you and your atty have a real uphill battle I'm afraid.

Yes the injury occured at work. I ended up in the ER, with diagnosis of thoracic sprain, until the MRI proved other-wise.

as did I at 53.... work related and paid .....after a 2 year fight

Yes the injury occured at work. I ended up in the ER, with diagnosis of thoracic sprain, until the MRI proved other-wise.
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Has there been any clarification then as to which structure(s) is the cause of the pain ?

Cyder will you introduce yourself.....