Neck and back injuries are among the most common—and debilitating—types of workplace injuries. Whether caused by heavy lifting, repetitive movements, poor ergonomics, or a sudden accident, these injuries can limit your ability to work and perform daily tasks. To successfully claim workers’ compensation, building a strong and well-documented medical record is essential.

Here’s how to protect your health and strengthen your case from the start.

Understanding Work-Related Neck and Back Injuries

Injuries to the neck and back can result from both one-time accidents and cumulative trauma over time. Some of the most frequently reported workplace injuries include:

Herniated or bulging discs
Muscle strains and sprains
Pinched nerves
Whiplash
Chronic back pain due to poor posture or repetitive lifting

These conditions can cause serious pain, stiffness, reduced mobility, and even long-term disability.

Why Your Medical Record Matters

In a workers’ compensation claim, your medical record serves as the primary evidence linking your injury to your job duties. Insurance companies often look for reasons to deny or minimize claims, especially for conditions that don’t involve an obvious traumatic event. A detailed and consistent medical record can make the difference between approval and denial.

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

As soon as you experience symptoms or sustain a work-related injury, see a medical professional. Delays in treatment can harm both your recovery and your claim.

Be honest and specific about how the injury occurred
Explain your job duties in detail
Describe when the pain started and how it has progressed
Follow all treatment instructions and attend follow-up appointments

Request that your provider document your injury as work-related whenever possible.

Step 2: Choose an Approved Workers’ Compensation Doctor

Under California law, your employer’s insurance may require you to see a physician within their Medical Provider Network (MPN). If you seek treatment outside the network without authorization, your care may not be covered.

If you predesignated your personal physician before the injury, you may be able to use your own doctor instead. Be sure to confirm your rights under your specific policy.

Step 3: Be Consistent in Your Descriptions

Throughout the course of your treatment, it’s important to consistently describe:

The nature and location of the pain
What movements or tasks make it worse
How it interferes with your work or daily activities

Discrepancies in your account can be used by insurance adjusters to question the legitimacy of your claim.

Step 4: Request Detailed Medical Documentation

Ask your doctor to include the following in your records:

Diagnosis and symptoms
Connection to work activities
Treatment plan and prescribed medications
Work restrictions or limitations
Progress reports and medical imaging (e.g., MRI, X-ray results)

The more thorough your medical documentation, the harder it is for insurers to dispute your claim.

Step 5: Keep a Personal Injury Journal

While your doctor documents medical facts, you can keep track of how the injury affects your life. Include:

Daily pain levels
Missed workdays
Activities you can no longer perform
Emotional and mental effects of your injury

This journal can support your claim and provide important context during hearings or appeals.

Step 6: Consult an Employment Law Attorney

Even with solid documentation, workers’ compensation claims for neck and back injuries can be contested or undervalued. An experienced attorney can help:

Review your medical records for gaps or weaknesses
Connect you with trusted medical professionals
Advocate for maximum benefits, including temporary or permanent disability
Represent you in disputes or appeals if necessary

At PLBH, we help injured workers protect their rights and build strong claims supported by medical evidence. If you’ve suffered a neck or back injury at work, call PLBH at (800) 435-7542 for a free, confidential consultation.