A slipped disc is no joke. If you’ve been diagnosed with a herniated disc, you know how much pain and discomfort it can cause. Herniated disc recovery takes time, and it’s important to take the time you need to heal.
Missing out on work can be hard, and some companies are more understanding than others. The less time missed, the better. Here’s how long you should expect to take off work for a herniated disc.
What is a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc is a condition that affects the spine and is also commonly referred to as a slipped disc. The discs in your spine act as cushions between the vertebrae, and when one of them becomes herniated, it means that the soft inner material has leaked out through a tear in the outer layer. This can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the affected area.
Common Cases of Herniated Discs
Several different factors can contribute to a herniated disc. In many cases, the underlying cause is simply the result of wear and tear on the discs over time. Other common causes include:
-A sudden impact or injury, such as a car accident or fall
-Lifting something heavy
-Repetitive motions, such as bending or twisting
-A degenerative condition, such as arthritis
What Are the Symptoms
In most cases, herniated discs occur in the lower back, although they can also occur in the neck. Symptoms vary depending on the location of the herniated disc but may include:
-Pain in the affected area
-Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
-Weakness in the muscles
-A burning sensation
How Long Is the Herniated Disc Recovery Process?
There are a few factors that determine how long your herniated disc recovery process will take from this spinal injury.
One factor is your job. If you’re working a desk job, you could go back to work within a week’s time. If you work a physical labor job, however (construction, warehouse work, etc.), you’ll need a little longer — somewhere between four and six weeks.
Of course, the severity of your herniated disc is a factor, too. Some herniated discs heal on their own within 12 weeks. In these cases, some people manage to work through the pain. Some don’t even realize they have herniated discs.
In other cases, spine surgery may be required.
Herniated disc surgery used to be a very arduous and invasive process, but not anymore.
The majority of herniated discs are now fixed with laser spine surgery. This procedure is quick and allows you to get back to work quicker than ever before.
There are several different surgeries for herniated discs, most of which will let you return to work within four weeks.
Spinal fusion is the most severe of these surgeries and requires the patient to stay hospitalized for a few days. You can expect a longer healing time if you require a spinal fusion.
Your workers’ comp spine specialist will best be able to determine what surgery you’ll need and how long your recovery time may be. Always ask them for their estimate.
What Should I Do If I Have a Herniated Disc?
If you need time off work for a herniated disc, talk to your boss and workers’ comp attorney or doctor. It’s your right to have time off work to get the surgery you need and heal.
If your employer is giving you a hard time regarding workers’ compensation, you should not take it lightly.
Every person heals at a different pace. Some herniated discs may take a week to heal. Some may take 12 weeks.
Don’t rush back to work just because your employer is giving you a hard time. Rest, heal, and then go back to work. Otherwise, the problem will just worsen, and you could end up with severe sciatica pain.
What Type Of Doctors Treat Herniated or Slipped Disk?
If you think you may have a herniated disc, it’s important to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis. There are a number of different types of doctors who can treat herniated discs, including:
-Chiropractors
-Physical Therapists
-Orthopedic surgeons
-Neurologists
-Pain management specialists
Depending on your individual case, treatment for a herniated disc may vary. In some cases, rest and pain medication may be all that’s needed to ease symptoms. In other cases, more aggressive treatment may be necessary, such as physical therapy or surgery. Regardless of the treatment plan, the goal is always to relieve pain and improve quality of life.
If you’re dealing with a herniated disc, it’s important to talk to your doctor about all of your treatment options. Together, you can develop a plan that’s right for you and get on the road to recovery.
Recovering From a Herniated Disc
Herniated disc recovery is no fun. Missing out on pay is even less fun. Thankfully, most herniated discs heal in a short few weeks, and you’ll be back to 100% in no time.
Take the time you need off work and heal up to ensure you never suffer from a slipped disc again.
Can You Get Workers’ Compensation if You Have a Herniated Disc?
If you have a herniated disc that was caused by your job, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill due to their job. Benefits can include medical expenses, income replacement, and death benefits.
To be eligible for workers’ compensation, you must have a doctor’s note confirming that your herniated disc was caused by your job. You will also need to file a claim with your employer’s workers’ compensation insurer. If your claim is approved, you will receive benefits that will cover your medical expenses and lost income.
Get Help Now
If you’re looking for a reliable workers’ compensation doctor in the New York area, call (888) 590-4030 today. Same-day appointments may be available.