Common Neck Injuries in the Workplace

July 22, 2012

Common Neck Injuries in the Workplace

Have you ever felt a shooting pain in your shoulders or running down your arms? Have you suffered any numbness or weakness in your hands or arms? If so, according to the Mayo Clinic, a neck injury may be the cause of your symptoms.

Unfortunately, neck pain is relatively common among adults in the United States. Often, the pain may be attributed to an injury sustained in the workplace. In those situations, it is critical to seek medical attention to ensure the injury is properly treated.

Numerous problems can lead to neck pain and injuries at the workplace. One common issue that plagues employees is muscle strains caused by overuse. Workers who spend hour after hour slouched over a computer or steering wheel overuse the muscles in the back of their necks, often resulting in muscle fatigue followed by repetitive stress injuries.

Serious injuries also can occur when nerves in the neck are compressed, meaning there is not enough space for the nerves in the neck to expand from the spinal cord. Nerve compression injuries can include stiffened and herniated disks and bone spurs.

Whiplash Injuries

One of the most common neck injuries is whiplash. Whiplash frequently occurs after a rear-end accident, when the driver's head lurches forward and backward. This movement causes the soft tissues in the neck to stretch too far, resulting in an injury.

While whiplash is a common injury following a motor vehicle accident, its frequency does not diminish the necessity of seeking help from a medical professional. According to a study published in the journal Brain Injury, whiplash can lead to anatomical changes in the brain, resulting in a brain injury. Of the whiplash victims examined in the report, 23 percent suffered brain damage.

What To Do After a Workplace Neck Injury

Neck injuries are all too common in the workplace, often occurring as a result of a serious car accident or due to repetitive movements at a computer. After sustaining a neck injury at work, it is important to seek appropriate medical treatment and file a workers' compensation claim as soon as possible.

According to Massachusetts' Office of Labor and Workforce Development, if you are absent from work for "five full or partial calendar days or more," your employer is responsible for filing a First Report of Injury and submitting a claim to its workers' compensation insurance company. You should contact an experienced workers' compensation attorney if you have sustained such an injury to ensure your rights are protected.

Article provided by Glaser Legal, PC
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