At 1Charlotte Injury Lawyers, we are committed to helping injured workers in Charlotte and across North Carolina. Our experienced attorneys focus on workers’ compensation, car accidents, and personal injury cases. We understand the challenges you face after a workplace injury and are here to guide you through every step of the claims process. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we recover compensation for you.
Back and neck injuries are among the most common work injuries in Charlotte, North Carolina. Whether caused by lifting heavy objects, repetitive motion, or a sudden fall, these injuries can result in lasting pain, limited mobility, and time away from work. Understanding your rights and the steps to take after an injury is critical.
In this blog, you will learn about the most common causes and types of neck and back injuries at work, what steps to take after an injury, and how working with an experienced Charlotte workers’ compensation attorney can help you secure the benefits and medical care you need.
Common Causes of Back and Neck Injuries on the Job
Neck and back injuries at work can happen suddenly or develop over time. Understanding the most common causes can help prevent them and support injury claims when they occur.
Improper Lifting Techniques
Many workers injure their spine and muscles by lifting heavy objects without using proper body mechanics. Bending at the waist, twisting while lifting, or carrying items that are too heavy can cause low back pain, herniated discs, or muscle strain. These injuries affect the lower back, neck muscles, and cervical spine.
Repetitive Motion
Jobs that involve repeated movements can lead to overuse injuries. Factory workers, office employees, and healthcare staff often perform the same motions for hours. Repetitive tasks may cause soft tissue injuries, neck pain, or reduced range of motion. Over time, this can result in chronic neck and back problems.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
Falls are a leading cause of workplace injuries. Wet floors, loose cables, or uneven surfaces can cause someone to fall and suffer a fractured vertebrae, cervical fracture, or sprains and strains. Falls often impact the spine, head, and neck, especially when landing awkwardly.
Vehicle and Equipment Accidents
Work-related car accidents or equipment crashes can cause sudden impact injuries. These include neck sprain, whiplash, and compression fracture. The force of a crash can damage the cervical vertebrae or spinal cord, leading to neurological symptoms or muscle weakness in the arms and legs.
Poor Ergonomics and Posture
Office jobs may seem low-risk, but poor seating and hunched posture can lead to chronic neck pain and back injuries. Improper screen height, unsupported seating, or long hours at a desk can strain neck muscles and cause spine misalignment. This can result in worse pain over time and contribute to long-term injury.
Overexertion and Physical Strain
Heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling in physical labor can overload the muscles and ligaments. Overexertion injuries often involve muscle spasms, herniated discs, or torn tissues. These injuries include both minor and severe conditions that may require medical attention and rest to prevent further damage.
Types of Neck and Back Injuries You May Sustain at Work
Neck and back injuries vary in severity and cause pain that can affect daily function and job performance. Below are the most common types workers face on the job.
Neck Sprains and Strains
Neck sprains and strains are common in jobs involving sudden movement or awkward positions. These injuries affect the soft tissues, including muscles and ligaments in the cervical spine. A neck sprain may result from a sudden twist, while a strain often comes from overuse. Symptoms include stiffness, reduced range of motion, and neck pain.
Herniated Discs
A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner layer of a spinal disc pushes through the outer layer. This injury can happen in both the cervical spine and lower back. It often causes nerve pressure, leading to pain, tingling, or numbness in the arms, legs, or groin area. Lifting heavy objects or repetitive strain can trigger disc damage.
Fractures and Compression Injuries
Workers may suffer a neck fracture or fractured vertebrae from falls or impact accidents. A compression fracture can happen when spinal bones collapse under pressure, especially in the elderly or those with weaker bones. These injuries can cause severe pain, swelling, and limited movement. Immediate medical attention is often required.
Muscle Strain and Soft Tissue Injuries
Muscle strain in the neck or back results from overstretching or tearing muscles. These injuries are often caused by overexertion or poor lifting techniques. Soft tissue injuries also affect tendons and ligaments and may lead to spasms or chronic pain if untreated. Bed rest and physical therapy are common parts of recovery.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Damage to the spinal cord is one of the most severe outcomes of a work injury. It may result from a high fall, car accident, or heavy object falling onto the body. Symptoms may include paralysis, muscle weakness, or loss of sensation. Injuries at the cervical vertebrae level can affect breathing, arm movement, and upper body control.
Chronic Neck and Back Conditions
Long-term work strain may lead to ongoing pain or degenerative spine issues. These include chronic low back pain, stiff neck, and joint inflammation. Conditions can worsen with continued poor posture, repetitive motion, or lack of proper recovery. Treatment often includes physical therapy, massage therapy, and long-term pain management plans.
What To Do After a Neck or Back Injury at Work in Charlotte
Taking the right steps after a neck or back injury at work helps protect your health and your rights under North Carolina law.
Report the Injury Right Away
Tell your supervisor about the injury as soon as possible. Under North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Law (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 97-22), you must report the injury within 30 days. Include details like how the injury happened, what body parts were affected, and any pain or symptoms you feel. Waiting too long to report can cause delays or denial of your benefits.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
A doctor should evaluate your symptoms even if the pain seems minor. Neck and back injuries, including soft tissue injuries or spinal cord damage, can get worse without treatment. Your employer may direct you to a specific medical provider. Follow their instructions, but tell the doctor about all symptoms such as muscle spasms, neck pain, or difficulty moving your back or legs.
Document Symptoms and Treatment
Keep records of all medical visits, prescriptions, and work restrictions. Note any changes in symptoms like worse pain, numbness, or reduced range of motion. This documentation supports your workers’ compensation claim and shows how the injury affects your ability to work and recover.
File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
To begin your claim, file Form 18 with the North Carolina Industrial Commission. This form gives official notice that you are seeking benefits for your injury. Include all required details about the accident and your condition. A workers’ compensation attorney can help ensure the paperwork is complete and accurate.
Follow the Treatment Plan
Stick to the treatment plan your doctor provides. This may include bed rest, cervical collar use, physical therapy, or massage therapy. Failing to follow medical advice can delay recovery and may affect your claim. Report any side effects or worsening symptoms to your doctor right away.
Consider Legal Help if Problems Arise
If your claim is denied, your employer disputes your injury, or you are not getting the care you need, speak with a workers’ compensation attorney. Legal help can make a difference in securing proper medical treatment and income support while you recover.
Contact 1Charlotte Injury Lawyers for Legal Assistance
If you have been injured on the job, call the 1Charlotte Workers’ Compensation Lawyers today and receive a risk-free consultation. Our experts are available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have about your case. Let our experienced workers’ compensation lawyers handle your workers’ comp claim, allowing you to focus on recovery while we fight for the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve.
Consult With an Experienced Charlotte Workers’ Compensation Attorney ASAP!
If you’ve suffered back or neck injuries on the job, the actions you take now can make a big difference in your recovery and your workers’ compensation case. Our team at 1Charlotte Injury Lawyers is here to support you every step of the way. With experience handling work injury claims across Charlotte and throughout North Carolina, we know how to deal with insurance companies and ensure your rights are protected.
Contact us at (704) 706-2689 for a free claim consultation today!
