Nerve Pain, Numbness and Weakness After a Work Injury
Numbness, tingling, burning pain or weakness after a work injury can mean a nerve is irritated or compressed. Spine Doctors Chicago performs a neurological examination, treats the source where conservative care is appropriate, and refers for nerve testing, imaging or a specialist when the findings call for it.
Where work-related nerve problems come from
- A disc in the neck or low back pressing on a nerve root, sending symptoms into an arm or leg
- Pressure on a nerve at the wrist or elbow from repeated hand and arm use
- A nerve stretched or bruised in a fall, a crash or a crush injury
Symptoms that need emergency care
Go to an emergency department right away for loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, or weakness that is getting worse quickly.
How nerve symptoms are evaluated
The provider checks reflexes, muscle strength and sensation, and tests the positions that bring on your symptoms. Depending on the findings, you may be referred for an MRI or for nerve conduction and EMG testing, which measure how well a nerve is carrying signals.
Treatment
When the examination supports conservative care, treatment aims to take pressure off the nerve and restore normal movement, with hands-on care, guided exercise and changes to the work tasks that aggravate it. If symptoms do not improve, or the findings call for it, the provider refers you to pain management or a specialist.
Billing for a work injury
When treatment is for a work injury, Illinois law directs the provider to bill the employer directly, and for a covered injury the worker is not billed for the difference between the charge and what the employer or its insurer paid. In general, Illinois also lets an injured worker choose their own doctor.
Related: Workers' Compensation Chiropractic
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the numbness go away?+
It depends on the cause and how long the nerve has been affected. The examination is the first step in answering that for your case.
What is an EMG?+
An EMG and nerve conduction study are tests that measure how nerves and muscles are working. They are ordered by referral when the examination calls for them.
My hands go numb at night after work. Is that work-related?+
Night-time numbness in the hands is a common pattern with nerve pressure at the wrist. A provider can examine you and document what you report about your job duties.
Numbness or weakness after a work injury? Call Spine Doctors Chicago to schedule an evaluation.
(773) 690-0677This page is general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice for your situation. Workers' compensation details are general information, not legal advice.