Workplace injuries are quite common, with some being debilitating. Most workplace injuries develop due to a dangerous work environment, exposure to something harmful to the body, and great physical demands.
Whether it’s falling on the job or developing tendonitis from doing the same physical movements repeatedly, a workplace injury can cause severe pain. Leaving such an injury untreated could potentially lead to more severe conditions, so it’s always wise to have a doctor assess and treat the injury as soon as possible.
Georgia Spine & Orthopaedics wants you to get back to your life, and work, as quickly and painlessly as possible. Our team specializes in a wide range of conditions and treatments, and we can provide you with a personalized solution that best fits your needs.
From our urgent care options to advanced pain management surgical services, we can be your partner on your workplace injury treatment and recovery journey.
What To Do If You’ve Sustained a Work Injury
When you’re injured on the job, there are several steps you could take to help protect your health and make sure you don’t affect your chances of receiving the full workers’ compensation for the injury.
Report the Injury as soon as Possible
One of the first things you want to do is report the injury to your manager or supervisor as soon as possible after the injury. If possible, try to have it in writing, detailing the incident and the injuries sustained.
Seek Medical Attention
Your health is a top priority. Even if the injuries you sustained appear minor, you should still get checked by a qualified doctor. For serious injuries, visit an emergency room or a local urgent care. For optimal results, make sure that you follow your doctor’s instructions, prescriptions, and recommendations and follow up with them as needed.
Document Everything
To help your workers’ comp claim, make sure you keep a record of everything related to your injury. This includes medical reports, any bills incurred due to the injury, and any correspondence with your employer and their insurance company.
Only Return to Work When Cleared by a Doctor
To help minimize the risk of prolonging the recovery period and exacerbating the injury, only go back to work after you’ve been cleared by a doctor. Going back before you’ve been cleared by your doctor could potentially lead to a re-injury and make the existing injuries worse. Talk with our staff for guidance on how to know you’re ready to go back to work.
Causes of Workplace Injuries
Some of the most common types of workplace injuries that we come across at Georgia Spine & Orthopaedics include the following:
Overexertion Injuries: Injuries caused by strenuous activities like pulling, lifting, pushing, carrying, and throwing objects at work.
Slipping/Tripping: These are injuries caused by falls on wet or slippery surfaces or tripping over obstacles on the floor.
Falling from Heights: These are injuries resulting from falls off elevated areas such as roofs, ladders, or stairways.
Reaction Injuries: Injuries incurred from slipping or tripping without falling, leading to muscle strains, bodily trauma, and various medical issues.
Falling Object Injuries: Injuries are caused by objects falling from shelves or being dropped by others, often resulting in severe head injuries.
Walking into Injuries: Accidental collisions with stationary objects like walls, doors, cabinets, tables, and chairs.
Vehicle Accidents: Injuries sustained by employees driving for business purposes, often involving auto collisions.
Machinery Accidents: Injuries occurring in factory settings involving heavy machinery and equipment, where heavy machines mutilate or crush an employee.
Repetitive Motion Injuries: Long-term harm from repetitive actions like typing and computer use, leading to conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, vision problems, muscle strains, and back pain.
Precautions to Prevent Work-Related Orthopedic Injuries
There are certain things that workers could do to help prevent work-related accidents and the resulting injuries. These include:
Adopting proper form and technique: Learning and applying correct form and technique for various job tasks can significantly reduce the risk of strain and injury. Be sure to also dress appropriately for the job to avoid having loose clothing snagged by machines or chemicals hurting you.
Incorporating regular breaks: Taking several rest breaks during the workday to rest and stretch aids in preventing fatigue and overuse injuries. Even if you’re in an office setting, get up and move ever so often and do some stretches.
Using the right equipment: Employing the right tools and equipment for job tasks lowers the risk of accidents and injuries. Participate in work training to learn how to safely operate equipment and perform work duties with minimal risks.
Prompt injury reporting: Workers should immediately report any injuries to their supervisor to not only ensure timely treatment but also have the workplace implement safety measures against future accidents.
Of course, no one has complete control over when accidents occur. So, it’s always best to take any precautionary steps that can help protect you and others.
Common Workplace Injuries
Musculoskeletal Injuries
These injuries affect the muscles, ligaments, tendons, joints, and bones. They can be caused by repetitive motion, overuse, or trauma. Examples of musculoskeletal injuries include strains, sprains, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and bursitis.
Cervical Spine Injuries
The cervical spine, located in the neck, is critical yet vulnerable. Injuries here can lead to severe spinal cord damage, potentially causing paralysis or even proving fatal. Sports and workplace accidents are common causes.
Dislocations
A dislocation occurs when a bone is forced out of its normal position. It can be caused by car accidents, falls, and other traumatic events.
Fractures
Fractures, or broken bones, are often caused by traumatic bodily injury from accidents such as slips, falls, and direct blows to the body.
Thoracic Spine Injuries
Below the cervical spine, the thoracic spine affects breathing and posture. Fractures here can result in paralysis or mobility issues, often stemming from impactful accidents.
Lumbar Spine Injuries
In the lower back, lumbar spine injuries can impair hip and leg function, sometimes requiring supportive devices.
Herniated Disc
When spinal discs herniate, they can compress nerves, causing pain and numbness. Treatment includes injections, therapy, or surgery for severe cases.
Spinal Cord Injury
Direct spinal cord injuries can lead to paralysis or loss of function, requiring immediate stabilization.
At Georgia Spine & Orthopaedics, we strive to provide comprehensive care for a full recovery. For personalized evaluation and treatment of workplace injuries, contact our clinic today.
Treatment for Work Injuries
The treatment procedure and techniques will vary from patient to patient depending on the nature and severity of their workplace injury. The most severe injuries may require more intensive and potentially invasive treatments.
However, we always start with a non-invasive approach for all treatments. We understand how invasive approaches can affect a patient’s overall well-being and quality of life, so we always start treatment with techniques such as medications, exercise, therapy, and rehabilitation. Only when these treatments fail to provide pain relief do we turn to surgical treatments.
For minor injuries, treatment often involves the RICE method: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. More severe injuries may require a range of interventions, including physical therapy, medication, or surgical procedures.
Pain Management
Pain doesn’t hold you back. Our specialized team offers a variety of treatments to alleviate joint and muscle discomfort, from targeted exercises to tailored medication plans, we can have you feeling better in no time.
Physical Therapy
Whether you’re preparing for surgery or seeking non-invasive recovery options, our physical therapy programs are designed to optimize musculoskeletal healing through expert-guided exercises and rehabilitation strategies.
Bone Fractures
We specialize in the treatment of fractures, ranging from minor stress injuries to complete breaks. Our comprehensive approach includes non-surgical and minimally invasive options to promote efficient healing.
Bracing & Casting
For fractures and injuries requiring stabilization, our expert bracing and casting services provide customized solutions for the leg, ankle, foot, arm, wrist, and hand. Trust our team for optimal support and recovery.
Orthopedic Surgery
We offer a wide range of surgical procedures to help address spinal conditions, including spinal stenosis, disc herniation, and degenerative disc disease. These are aimed at improving mobility, alleviating pain, and restoring neurological function.
Non-surgical Spine Treatments
We offer a broad range of specialized nonsurgical treatments including prescription medications, epidural steroid injections, radiofrequency ablation, psychological treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acupuncture, Sacroiliac or epidural joint injections, and more.
Our team of compassionate and skilled doctors is experienced in pain management, orthopedic surgery, non-invasive spine treatments, and more. We always personalize treatment plants to suit your unique situation and needs.
Let’s Manage Your Workplace Injury Treatment
Georgia Spine & Orthopaedics understands how important it is to get care as soon as possible. When you make an appointment with our clinic, we’ll start working to get you all the information you need. Your first appointment will consist of completely diagnosing your injury, along with personalizing your treatment, and then you’re paired with the right doctor.
Call us today to schedule an appointment and start your journey toward making a full recovery from your workplace injury.
