Threaded Mode | Linear Mode

ljackson6195 · 11-03-2009, 08:51 AM

I fell down stairs at work and now have a tear in L-4 5, Dr for Workers Comp is saying that it could be aging that caused this. Is that true? Can an L4 5 get worse, because I can't even stand in the same spot for more than ten minutes befor having to sit down.

Cycler · 11-03-2009, 09:29 AM

Annular tears are a common, if not universal, consequence of the aging disc so yes the Dr. is correct in saying yours COULD be aging but he didn't finish the sentence.

The issue is not that it COULD but do the facts of your injury make it more likely than not that the fall caused the tear or ( more likely- the tear is now symptomatic since most are not.) ; i.e. possible versus probable. Possible = 49 % Probable = 51 % If probable then you win.

ljackson6195 · 11-03-2009, 01:45 PM

Thanks for the response.

ljackson6195 · 11-03-2009, 02:43 PM

Can the tear get worse?

Cycler Wrote:Annular tears are a common, if not universal, consequence of the aging disc so yes the Dr. is correct in saying yours COULD be aging but he didn't finish the sentence.

The issue is not that it COULD but do the facts of your injury make it more likely than not that the fall caused the tear or ( more likely- the tear is now symptomatic since most are not.) ; i.e. possible versus probable. Possible = 49 % Probable = 51 % If probable then you win.

ljackson6195 · 11-03-2009, 02:45 PM

Can it get worse, or can it be repaired?

Cycler · 11-03-2009, 10:04 PM

yes and no.

But all discs tear ( annular ) rent with age as we shrink and every one has back pain in their life. The good news is symptomatic tears settle down.

ljackson6195 · 11-04-2009, 07:30 PM

But if I never experienced back pain before the fall, injuring my left knee as well as the torn discs the probability of it being the fall instead of age is more probable? (Run on sentence).

Cycler Wrote:yes and no.

But all discs tear ( annular ) rent with age as we shrink and every one has back pain in their life. The good news is symptomatic tears settle down.

Cycler · 11-04-2009, 09:55 PM

That would be a reasonable argument for your Dr. to make. Of course that assumes anyone thinks the tear is symptomatic.

Bad Boy Bad Boy · (This post was last modified: 11-05-2009 03:46 PM by Bad Boy Bad Boy.)

The Fall at work explains both your injuries as long as your treating doctor supports it, and documents it as such.

As for the tear in L4 - L5, can it get better or worse? The answer is yes and no. Only a treating doctor can monitor it and check it with follow ups. Only then will you know those facts.

For now, you should complete your medical treatment, and ask plenty of question with your doctor (s).

Possibly Related Threads...
Thread:		Author	Replies:	Views:	Last Post
	Bulging Disks, Annular Tear, Doctor Says Back to Work	Georgedroy	7	4,034	11-20-2011 05:00 PM Last Post: NYScomp
	Complex Meniscus Tear and Arthritis=WC Covered Total Knee Replacement	allison	5	5,996	04-02-2011 11:57 AM Last Post: Bummer Knees
	R/ shoulder rotator cuff tear	jsbbull	2	7,748	03-24-2010 04:38 PM Last Post: jsbbull
	rotator cuff tear	Bernie57	0	2,353	03-04-2010 12:43 AM Last Post: Bernie57
	Possible Rotater Cuff Tear	shortapplespice	3	2,627	01-22-2010 02:29 AM Last Post: 1171
	distal bicep tear then tore muscle	titansfan55	5	5,542	10-13-2009 03:45 PM Last Post: Tuffy
	Rim rent tear of rotator cuff	hardworker	11	10,684	12-21-2008 10:02 PM Last Post: Bernie57
	Distal bicep tendon tear	disneyland fans	10	8,306	08-29-2008 03:59 PM Last Post: capricorn
	Annular Tear - RN license	Injured@Work	20	7,392	07-13-2008 09:53 AM Last Post: jayne
	Annular tear	GOTPAIN	10	4,220	06-16-2008 02:14 PM Last Post: GOTPAIN