Falls at work can happen in an instant, while the pain can last for months or even years without treatment. Workers’ comp doctors provide many injured workers with a suitable path toward relief. Whether you tripped over a loose cable, slipped on a wet floor, or toppled from a ladder, knowledgeable workers’ compensation doctors can help you begin your recovery.
How a Workplace Accident Can Lead to Chronic Pain
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employers in private industries reported 2.5 million nonfatal injuries and illnesses in 2024. While this represents a 3.1% decrease from the year before, it demonstrates the risks that workers face daily. Chronic pain typically lasts three months or longer, and it can develop from untreated minor injuries.
On OSHA’s list of frequently cited workplace safety standards for 2024, fall protection continued to dominate with 6,827 total violations for the year. Adrenaline often masks pain in the immediate aftermath of a fall, but soft tissue damage, spinal misalignments, or nerve irritation may already be developing. Common injuries from on-the-job falls include:
- Herniated discs: Sudden impacts can shift spinal discs, putting pressure on nerves and causing radiating pain.
- Soft tissue injuries: Ligament sprains, muscle strains, and torn tendons can cause persistent pain and limited mobility.
- Fractures: Wrist, hip, and vertebral fractures are especially common in falls.
- Joint injuries: Ankles, knees, and shoulders are vulnerable to impact and chronic inflammation.
Fortunately, there are several ways to address chronic pain after slip-and-fall injuries. Many of them don’t require surgery.
Workplace Injury Pain Management Options After a Slip and Fall
Workers’ comp doctors offer various treatment options for slip-and-fall injuries, such as:
- Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, and short-term pain medications address acute discomfort and reduce swelling.
- Corticosteroids: Epidural steroid injections can reduce inflammation around irritated nerves, providing targeted relief.
- Radiofrequency ablation: This minimally invasive procedure uses heat to interrupt pain signals and relieve persistent back or neck discomfort.
- TENS therapy: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation uses low-level electrical currents to disrupt pain signals and promote circulation.
- Chiropractic care: Spinal adjustments help restore alignment after a fall. This is a popular option for those seeking non-surgical pain relief for workplace accidents.
Acupuncture may help reduce pain perception and promote relaxation as part of a broader pain management plan as well. Hot and cold therapy also plays a role in the earlier stages. Ice packs help manage swelling and inflammation, while heat relaxes muscles.
Rehabilitating Work-Related Injuries With Help From Workers’ Comp Doctors
According to the National Safety Council, 885 workers died in falls in 2023, and countless others were injured badly enough to require days off from work. Even seemingly minor falls can demand rehabilitation for work-related injuries.
Restoring strength, flexibility, and function allows you to safely return to work and your daily activities. Physical therapy is commonly recommended after a slip-and-fall work injury, thanks to the gentle range-of-motion exercises and the strengthening, balance, and proprioception training, which can lower the risk of future falls. Occupational therapy may also be recommended if your work involves lifting, prolonged standing, or repetitive motions.
Seeing a doctor after a workplace accident is crucial for recovery and for filing workers’ compensation claims. Your initial evaluation will likely include a physical exam, a review of how the injury occurred, and possibly imaging tests. From there, your doctor may refer you to pain management physicians, orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, physical therapists, or other specialists.
Find the Care You Need With Workers’ Comp Doctor
Chronic pain after a slip-and-fall workplace injury is serious, but seeing an experienced workers’ comp doctor can make a difference. When you are ready to choose the right workers’ comp doctor, our network can help. Call Workers’ Comp Doctor today at (888) 590-4030 or connect online for help across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Delaware.
Doctors listed in our directory accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions people have about treating chronic pain after a work injury.
Can a Slip-and-Fall Work Injury Be Treated Without Surgery?
While severe fractures often require surgical intervention, many slip-and-fall injuries can heal with a nonsurgical treatment approach, such as physical therapy, chiropractic care, and medication.
What Should I Do Immediately After a Slip-and-Fall Workplace Accident?
After a workplace accident, seek medical attention, report the incident to your employer in writing, and document what caused your fall.
How Can Workers’ Comp Doctors Help After an Injury?
Workers’ comp doctors can build you a comprehensive pain management plan, offering specialist referrals and ongoing support as you heal.