Back injury

[brneyedgirl40]

Hello again,
I need some more advice.I live in Tx. I was just told that my back injury is not considered from my fall at work.My initial diagnosis was just a lumbar strain until they did the Mri.The Mri report stated I have a posterior disk bulge with the portion of the disk material going into the left lateral recess.It then states this effects the exiting left L4 nerve root and the transversing left L5 root.It then mentions moderate left-sided neural foraminal narrowing.My WC adjuster said that is normal wear and tear and everyone has disk bulges.She said if it was a herniated disk it would be different story and that they would accept it was from the fall at work.Am I wrong that when it states the portion of the disk material goes in the left lateral recess that it is a herniated disk?I have never had any previous back pain or injuries before I fell.Basically they are only accepting the lumbar strain diagnosis which they stated should be healed by now.I have much more than that including the disk and nerve damage,sciatica,radiculopathy and the neural foramin narrowing.Has anyone else had these diagnosis?Have you been told its just normal wear and tear that everyone has?It has to be from my fall because I have never experienced any issues with my back before it.Any help or comments would be so appreciated.

[1171]

even if the underlying damage is not from the fall, your current symptoms are the result of the fall aggravating your condition.
under workers comp law an aggravation is considered a new injury and they are responsible to returning you to your pre-injury condition.

you can find out more about comp benefits and disputes here
http://www.tdi.texas.gov/wc/employee/index.html

[norma]

(06-10-2012 11:41 PM)brneyedgirl40 Wrote:  Hello again,
I need some more advice.I live in Tx. I was just told that my back injury is not considered from my fall at work.My initial diagnosis was just a lumbar strain until they did the Mri.The Mri report stated I have a posterior disk bulge with the portion of the disk material going into the left lateral recess.It then states this effects the exiting left L4 nerve root and the transversing left L5 root.It then mentions moderate left-sided neural foraminal narrowing.My WC adjuster said that is normal wear and tear and everyone has disk bulges.She said if it was a herniated disk it would be different story and that they would accept it was from the fall at work.Am I wrong that when it states the portion of the disk material goes in the left lateral recess that it is a herniated disk?I have never had any previous back pain or injuries before I fell.Basically they are only accepting the lumbar strain diagnosis which they stated should be healed by now.I have much more than that including the disk and nerve damage,sciatica,radiculopathy and the neural foramin narrowing.Has anyone else had these diagnosis?Have you been told its just normal wear and tear that everyone has?It has to be from my fall because I have never experienced any issues with my back before it.Any help or comments would be so appreciated.

I am from the state of n.y. and my injuries were to my back. my doctor diagnosed me with strains and sprains. Before this injury to my back i had previous back injuries(sprains and strains). I just settled my w/c case on strains and sprains to my back. any time you have a new accident to the same area it should be covered under w/c. your claims adjuster is not an md, every one heals differently. just because nothing showed up on the mri that dosen't mean your not in pain. Your claims adjuster will tell you anything to avoid not paying you. Get an attorney

[jayc123]

you need a lawyer now.bulging and herniated are two separate things, i have both. herniated is when then membrane ruptures and the "jelly" comes out, bulging is when its swelling but not ruptured. when pushing on nerves both are very painfull. your mri clearly states this and is the result of your pain which in turn is from the fall.if it wasnt you would have had this pain already. your adjuster is lying to you like they all do, you need a lawyer now before they take it too far, consultations are free, good luck

[jayne]

they are always going to say normal wear and tear to get out of paying for anything,deal is your Dr makes the call and you may need a lawyer to help you get your benifits.And yes I got the same song and dance....and a real lawyer sent me to a real Dr and they found the bad disc

[hurt back]

Yes if you fell at work just as 1171 says any pre-existing ( if there is any ) is cover if the injury ( recently ) is what aggrevated affected area. My adjuster was the same way saying that the Dr's diagnosis is a lumbar strain and that I should have been better. I got a lawyer and now he talks to that a-hole not me! But that was 3 months ago, I'm still not any better after many PT visits and the pain meds only take the "edge" off and don't take care of the pain. Point is don't give up, get a Dr. and also take to your Dr on how they worded it. That could be the problem there... As everyone has posted so far, is correct, get a lawyer and there is a BIG difference in a strain and a bulging disk, even someone who is not a Dr. know that.. The insurance companies are always out for #1 ( THEMSELVES ) Best of luck to you..

[brneyedgirl40]

Thanks to everyone for you advice and answers.They were so helpful.Dont know what I would do without this message board.It really helps to know I am not alone!

[hurt back]

(06-11-2012 06:28 PM)brneyedgirl40 Wrote:  Thanks to everyone for you advice and answers.They were so helpful.Dont know what I would do without this message board.It really helps to know I am not alone!

I pray that all goes well!