Question
Dear Dr Dolan

Thank you for the help in advance.  I attach extract from the report from my GP

I am 28 years old.

I have been informed the insurers have admitted liability subject to causation.  

I am sending a link to the medical report here in PDF Format;

http://www.ajhearne.co.uk/Images/drhastienov2008.pdf

Should my employers be changing my job in this case. I'm sorry I'm asking but they are coming to see me before my own GP appointment and I don't know what to say.

Others do take boxes for me now, but I can't rely on them doing this all the time - we do have a lift, but it still involves lifting them.

I have been referred for the MRI scan now so I'll see how that goes, but if I return doing my current job now which involves postal work and shredding would this make it worse.

Also is a heated massage cushion a good idea and should they be allowing me to take regular breaks each hour.

Many thanks again and I'm sorry to have troubled you

Kind regards
Andrew

Answer
Staten Island Workers Compensation, Staten Island Herniated Disc


Hello Andrew,

Sorry to hear of your condition and situation.

"Should my employers be changing my job in this case. I'm sorry I'm asking but they are coming to see me before my own GP appointment and I don't know what to say. "

Tell them to talk to your lawyer, tell them to talk to you after you speak with have exam with your Doctor.


Your report at  http://www.ajhearne.co.uk/Images/drhastienov2008.pdf  is cut off after two pages, apparently it continues, but it is cut off at that point.


I think you need a lawyer, I am not exactly sure what "....admitted liability subject to causation...." means.

IF you cannot function, you cannot return to work, regardless of what test says what.  If you can function, you can return to work, regardless of what test says what.  Some people have terrible test results and run marathons--- the test does not mean that much.  Some people have tests that say they are fine--- and they cannot get out of bed,  what does that say for the tests?

you are waiting for an MRI; "....I have been referred for the MRI scan now so I'll see how that goes....",  so , no decisions can be made until more complete data is in.

When there are legalities involved, it is best when tests support the complaints-  ie:  'My back hurts, I cannot work'- well, if all the tests show nothing wrong, your lawyer will have a tough time in court getting you a disablity payment.  'My back hurts, I cannot work'- well, if the tests support your claim- ie: show damage, then your lawyer will be happy, he(she) has supportive evidence to your claim.

You need a lawyer to explain if they have to allow breaks from work for you "....should they be allowing me to take regular breaks each hour....".  Are breaks from repetitive motion, prolonged postures, good for the spine,,,, yes.  Is this legally enforce-able?,,, ask your lawyer.

When a patient is hurting, I prefer that the patient utilize cold therapy rather then heat- ".... is a heated massage cushion a good idea....".  If the pain is gone, but residual stiffness is there, then I would use heat.

I think you need to speak to your lawyer on these questions.
I think you need to evaluate how you feel/ function- despite any test results.
I think you need to wait till all the test results are in until discussing plans with your employer.

I attach more handout information I utilize in my Staten Island Chiropractic
office about Herniated Disc   (your report includes suspicion of disc problems).  Continue seeing your Doctor of Chiropractic.

Keep me updated / or ask further at ALLExperts.com
http://www.allexperts.com/ep/965-100794/Chiropractors/Victor-Dolan-DC.htm

Thanks for the question, Good Luck, and I wish you-
Good Health, Naturally,



Dr. Victor Dolan, DC
http://drvictordolan.chiroweb.com (email newsletter)
http://www.SIworkcomp.com
http://www.SIautoaccident.com




++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Disk   Herniation  

Low  Back  Pain  can be caused by many different things.  Big, BAD, catastrophic things like a tumor or a cancer can cause low back pain (only a proper exam by a licensed doctor, like your Doctor of Chiropractic, or your family Doctor of Medicine, can evaluate your signs and symptoms, and perhaps refer for testing).  Big, bad things like a Herniated Disc, sciatica, possible fracture or dislocation can cause LBP (again, best evaluated by your DC or MD, and perhaps referral).  Bad things, like  - Sprains, Strains, contusion, or Vertebral Subluxation Complex (all very efficiently diagnosed and treated by your Doctor Of Chiropractic.   

Sometimes LBP is caused by a Herniated disc: Herniated  disk  is  actually  a  quite  common  condition.   However,  the course of the condition is highly variable.   Some patients with a herniated disk literally cannot walk, yet other patients with similar MRI findings may be able to run marathons or lift heavy weights.   Some people suffer for only a few days with pain and symptoms, some people suffer for months. Although the course is highly variable, there are certain steps that are always helpful to follow:  Ice the area when painful-  10/ 15minutes on, 30/ 45 minutes off;  avoid certain postures and movements;  bend the knees when coughing or sneezing;  bend the knees when lifting anything;  do not extend legs straight out when sitting, laying down, lifting, or driving.   Avoiding certain movements and postures will prevent aggravation of the condition.   Practicing good postures and movement patterns will help the condition heal and be less painful. Disk  Herniation  is often caused by, or often  concurrent with the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.

         Vertebral   Subluxation   Complex    (a.k.a.  憇ubluxation?
The vertebral subluxation complex is the underlying cause of many healthcare problems.

A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.

Subluxation  is  a  serious  condition  identified  by  its  five  parts:

    Spinal Kinesiopathology:
         This is fancy way of saying the bones of the spine have lost their normal motion and position. It restricts your ability to turn and bend. It sets in motion the other four components.

    Neuropathophysiology:
         Improper spinal function can choke, stretch, or irritate delicate nerve tissue. The resulting nerve system dysfunction can cause symptoms elsewhere in the body.

    Myopathology:
          Muscles supporting the spine can weaken, atrophy, or become tight and go into spasm. The resulting scar tissue changes muscle tone, requiring repeated spinal adjustments.

    Histopathology:
         A rise in temperature from an increase in blood and lymph supplies result in swelling and inflammation. Discs can bulge, herniate, tear, or degenerate. Other soft tissues may suffer permanent damage.

    Pathophysiology:
         The VSC contributes to OsteoArthritic degeneration.  Bone spurs and other abnormal bony growths attempt to fuse malfunctioning spinal joints. This spinal decay, scar tissue, and long-term nerve dysfunction can cause other systems of the body to malfunction.


The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position.  When subluxated, joints are in a stressed, vulnerable, compromised condition.  Subluxation may cause Arthritis, Disk Herniation, or aggravate such conditions.  

          Vertebral  Subluxation  cannot be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching, yoga, vitamins or physical therapy alone.     Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular-   mechanical-   problem  requires  a   mechanical correction-  -  -    a manipulation,     best performed with the chiropractic adjustment.


Dr. Victor E. Dolan,   Doctor of Chiropractic;   Diplomat, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomat, American Academy of Pain Management; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (IAACN); FIRST  Chief of Chiropractic  in  a  Hospital  in  New York State (DHSI);  As  Seen  in  PREVENTION  Magazine