a year later severe back problems

[seb7289]

picked up copy of report of mri: 1.small left paramedian disc protrussion at L5-S1 which exerts mild mass-effect upon the left S1 nerve root. 2. Mild disc bulge, posterior annular tear and degenerated facet joints at L4-L5. From what I've been reading it could be due to heavy lifting.

[Cycler]

Those findings can certainly be responsible for irritation of the S1 nerve root. As to causation, well pretty much anything can be associated with it including living long enough to develop DDD.

[capricorn]

Thanks Cycler...have bookmarked all and will enjoy the reading.

[MJC]

Seb,
I had my injury 10 years ago and I am still having back problems. It appears I have what is called Failed Back Surgery Syndrome/Post Lumbar Laminectomy Syndrome. This can happen after an initial back surgery and what happens is you develop a Domino effect involving the disc above or below the disc that surgery was performed on. I have been a chronic pain patient for years and at present I need a 2 level fusion at L4-5 and L5-S1. It appears you were initally treated for an injury to your ankle. Now that you have developed back problems and with the length of time that has passed your problem will be causation. Did you complain at any time at the onset of your injury that your back or leg was causing you any pain? I see that you have had an MRI done and it does show that you have issues going on in your back. My concern for you is the time that has passed related to your ankle injury and if you originally has complaints of back pain at that time or shortly after. I understand that you returned to work and are now having the back pain. Of course you could have caused some trauma to your lower back at the onset of the injury and now that you have returned to work it is very possible that if you did have a problem that did not really bother you at the onset of your original claim and returned to work you could have done more damage. Do you have an attorney? You will most likely need one because of this involving 2 different parts of your body and the time that has expired since your injury. I guess it would also be possible that they would re-open your case but I know how WC works and they will not work in your favor without a fight. As you continue on you may want to consider having a consult with a lawyer that specialzes in WC. Consultations are usually free if you call around and speak with different firms. I wish you good luck with your situation and hope that you are able to get the help that you need. A back injury is a very hard issue to deal with. I am 100% totally disabled. If you look below my signature you can see the surgeries I have endured from this injury. You will now be included in my 9pm prayers. May God bless you and watch over you.

Cajun Hugssssssssssssss,
MJC

[seb7289]

At the time that I hurt my ankle I did complain about pain in the hip which was documented by the doctor. I am scheduled for an eval. on 10/6 with the PT. Because the problem took a while to surface, I have not yet opened a WC claim. I am ss to hear what you have gone thru.

[Still in Limbo]

Hi Seb!! I'm from Pa. also, and by what You have Described, You May have a Pretty Good Chance of having Your Claim Re-Opened. You May want to Retain an Attorney, due to Your Age and the DDD and Arthritis Conditions We All get as We Age. a Disc Bulge at L5/S1 will Surely cause the Pain You are Feeling, and it could Very Well be from a Result of the Work Place Injury. You can Read My Injuries in My Signature Below, and when I was Injured, One of the First Things the Dr. Mentioned to Me was that the Four Discs above My Injured One were Completely Dried Out, and Bulged and Pressing on Nerves, and Ask Me if I thought that was from the Injury. I knew it wasn't and Told Him so, I Lived a Very Active Life before My Injury, and I was 42 when Injured. My Claim was Accepted though because My Injury was Well Documented and Witnessed, so even with Age and Previous Back Issues I was Covered by w/c. I Hope this Has Helped, We have Quite a Few Folks on Here from Pa., so if You have any Other Questions, Ask Away!!

[seb7289]

Still in Limbo Wrote:Hi Seb!! I'm from Pa. also, and by what You have Described, You May have a Pretty Good Chance of having Your Claim Re-Opened. You May want to Retain an Attorney, due to Your Age and the DDD and Arthritis Conditions We All get as We Age. a Disc Bulge at L5/S1 will Surely cause the Pain You are Feeling, and it could Very Well be from a Result of the Work Place Injury. You can Read My Injuries in My Signature Below, and when I was Injured, One of the First Things the Dr. Mentioned to Me was that the Four Discs above My Injured One were Completely Dried Out, and Bulged and Pressing on Nerves, and Ask Me if I thought that was from the Injury. I knew it wasn't and Told Him so, I Lived a Very Active Life before My Injury, and I was 42 when Injured. My Claim was Accepted though because My Injury was Well Documented and Witnessed, so even with Age and Previous Back Issues I was Covered by w/c. I Hope this Has Helped, We have Quite a Few Folks on Here from Pa., so if You have any Other Questions, Ask Away!!

[seb7289]

I read where age could have something to do with it but I also read where repetative motion can also cause the problem. I do custodial work at a college where I have 3 wings and 2 1/3 floor to clean by myself. I put a 10 hr day into an 8 hr day. I had asked for help but didn't get it. Been out quite often cause by the end of the week it cetainly takes a toll on my body. My main complaint was hauling the trash to the dumpster. Trash including recyclables. Between the vacumming, wet mopping and hauling trash I think it did my back in. I'm afraid the problem is going to prove that, that is what has caused the problems.

[Still in Limbo]

With that Said, I See no Reason that Your Claim can't be Re-opened. You May want to Speak to an Attorney or Two that Deal in w/c, the First Consultation is Usually Free! My Very Best to You, and Please Keep Us Informed!!