Workers' Compensation Discussion Forums

Hi. I'm from Illinois. I am going to have to return to work tomorrow and I'm still having alot of problems with my back. I have a pinched nerve and it's giving me bad back aches and problems with nerves down my legs. My back doctor I went to gave me 4 weeks off. I had had time off from regular MDs prior to this.
The problem is that he's sending me back to work and I'm afraid I can't do the work. I have pleaded with his nurse to talk to him because I'm still having alot of pain at times. To no avail. My job entails alot of bending and that is my weakness.
I don't know what to do. I'm afraid if I go back to work and end up hurting, I'll be stuck with "being back at the job now". Injury behind me. I'm afraid if I don't go back I'll loose my job and medical I need because of the note from my doctor. He's a surgeon and has told me I don't need surgery. I believe he thinks he's done all he can and thats why he isn't giving me more time off. Then again I think I'm getting the problem of returning to work from his nurse and that he probably doesn't even know the trouble I'm having.
My question is: If I go back to work and have problems will my injury still be addressed or will I be out of luck because returning to work will mean I'm saying I'm okay?
I willl appreciate any advice you can give me. I'm pretty perplexed about this because I believe I need another opinion and it will take time to get one. Please help.

you can be on an off many times during an injury.
you should request a change of doctors asap.

Return to work as they say...or you'll be cut off due to non-compliance.
You must try your best.

Did the MD give you any restrictions....such as no lifting or bending? If so...follow them to a tee, or they can nail you on not following the doctor's orders (employer MUST follow them too, so carry a copy in your pocket & whip it out when needed). IF you return to work, and simply cannot stand it due to pain & such, ask to be taken to the ER or MD immediately. I can only imagine they have done NO diagnostic testing such as CT or MRI....& xrays don't show diddly, other than some broken bones and fractures. Your injuries may not show up until more descreptive tests are ordered. Most commonly, they will do conservetive treatments first, like injections, meds, PT as they are the cheapest. That's simply protocol.
So if you are sent back to work....your injury is still the responsibility of WC, so don't worry.
Lilly

Hi Again, Good to know, thank you. I went back and my back hurt with whenever I used to so no surprise. I was able to get through. One day at a time I quess. Yes, MRI was done. I have a herniated disk pressing on a nerve. All kinds of funky things going on back there and with my legs.
I given up on the doctor that hasn't helped. The note was no restrictions. The bad part is they were going to put "when in pain stop activity" and they changed it because I said my employer won't take me back with a restriction. I have a big mouth. And worst yet, they put no restrictions once I said that. So....note was manipulated.
It's been alot of stress. My w/c case manager has taken all treatment away and my 2nd opinion too. How the heck can she do that? All I'm left with is an independant visit with their doctor. This has been a roller coaster. Really it has.
I'm hoping I can work cause otherwise I don't know the next thing to do. Thanks for any help you can give.

The NCM can stop you from changing drs. or getting a second oppinion. You need to get familure with the laws in your state. It will be time well spent.

Take Care

you can appeal the denial of treatment. you'll need supporting medical evidence that it's needed then take it to the comp court.
http://www.iwcc.il.gov/handbook.htm