back again with back problems

[medic149]

In Oct of 2008 I hurt my back lifting a patient(i'm a paramedic), in phoenix, AZ. Did the whole workers comp thing and my case was closed in mid Jan of this year. When the w/c dr closed my case I still had lower back pain from his diagnosis of a pulled muscle, he knew I still had pain and the RN case manager documented that I had pain but was dr wanted my case closed. I dealt with the pain the best I could until mid march of this year. I then went to my own dr and paid out of pocket for a repeat MRI and referal to an orthopedic. I saw the orthopedic on april 2nd and was told i had inflammation to my facets at L3-4. The ortho set up an apt with a pain managment dr for steroid injections. On april 8th I hurt my back again at work when my partner dropped the gurney with a patient on it. I have 4 witness and my parter who witnessed the whole thing. I have not seen the pain management dr for the injections yet but I am worried the w/c will deny my claim since I sought help outside of w/c. I did file a second claim for my last injury but have heard nothing back.

My questions: Can w/c deny my repeat injury because I sought help from another dr without claiming w/c? Because all my pain originated from my first injury at work can I get w/c to pay for the steroid injections? If they work I will have nerve ablasion that will need to be repeated every year or two.

[1171]

these are medical decisions. if you case was closed your doctor is going to have to explain how current problems could be related to past injury.
if it's related to past injury why would they accept new injury.
you going to need medical opinions to clarify what's happening and which injury is responsible.