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Need help... back pain and workmans comp

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by quackerduck, Jul 31, 2012.

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  1. Jul 31, 2012 #1
    quackerduck

    quackerduck Bobtail Member

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    Jul 31, 2012
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    A few years ago while I was driving for the same company as I do now, I started having back pain due to the seat in the truck being broken down. I called the shop, told them our seat was bad they told me to go to freightliner & order us a new seat. I got a middle of the line seat, had it installed then no more problems. 8 mos ago my co driver & I received a new truck, wasn't given the opportunity to pull our seat & move it to the new truck. The trouble began a few weeks later when I started having lower back pain to the point I could not drive anymore in that shift, the seat tilted to the front, had no cushion left in it & has broken down. I called the shop once again, this time I was told that not only was I NOT getting a new seat but that I shouldn't of been authorized to purchase the first one either. I then called my supervisor, he said no new seat & offered other suggestions of seat settings. None of which either feasible or worked for the back pain. I missed a few days of work due to the pain & started seeing a chiropractor. Being adjusted 3 times a week helped also very expensive, the chiropractor suggested I file workman’s comp. I was later told by the company workman’s comp that I couldn’t go to a chiropractor for care for this injury that I needed to see my primary physician, I did. My doctor agreed that a seat replacement could of saved a lot of time & money, sending notes to my employer saying as much. The companies next request is that I had to have the doctor physically examine the seat, I did, once again he sent paperwork to the company stating he examined the seat & felt that it was the issue. The doctor sent me to physical therapy, the physical therapist has recently examined the seat & also feels that it is the issue with my back. At one point the company sent a replacement seat out to be installed, it like the original one was broken down within a few weeks. The companies workman’s comp later declined my claim stating that they felt the injury had nothing to do with my job after receiving copies of my medical records. I have never had any issues with my back up to the point of the first bad seat that was easily corrected with the purchase of the new seat. I currently have to take arthritis meds & muscle relaxers, most recently I have also had to be treated for high blood pressure.


    The company I work for has been a good place to work & I don’t want to change jobs. I cannot afford to be off work or to miss days as I am the financial & insurance provider for my family. I also cannot afford to continue to go to PT 3 times a week in order to do be able to do my job. I have acquired quite a bit in medical bills & still cant find anyone that can help me solve the issue, so far all I have gotten is referred to another number or office. Can anyone actually help?? Where do I go now?? Am I going to be forced to buy a seat for a company truck I don’t own in order to stay working??
     
    quackerduck, Jul 31, 2012
    quackerduck, Jul 31, 2012
    #1
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  3. Jul 31, 2012 #2
    grumpygroundhog

    grumpygroundhog Light Load Member

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    Fort Myers, Florida
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    I would talk to a lawyer who specializes in workmans comp. If you continue like this you'll be disabled and won't be able to work anywhere....
     
    grumpygroundhog, Jul 31, 2012
    grumpygroundhog, Jul 31, 2012
    #2
    CAXPT Thanks this.
  4. Jul 31, 2012 #3
    Cranky Yankee

    Cranky Yankee Cranky old ######

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    of course buying a new seat would suck but be cheaper then those medical bills save the old seat to put back in the truck when you leave or truck leaves
     
    Cranky Yankee, Jul 31, 2012
    Cranky Yankee, Jul 31, 2012
    #3
    NavigatorWife Thanks this.
  5. Jul 31, 2012 #4
    CondoCruiser

    CondoCruiser The Legend

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    You should have an MRI done to see what's going on with your spine/discs. Then you can get them shots every 2-3 months. You have to see your primary care physician who will then refer you to a back specialist. It sounds like you have a compressed disc pushing on the sciatic nerve.
     
    CondoCruiser, Jul 31, 2012
    CondoCruiser, Jul 31, 2012
    #4
    NavigatorWife and CAXPT Thank this.
  7. Jul 31, 2012 #5
    Rif Raf McQ

    Rif Raf McQ Light Load Member

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    May 9, 2012
    Lexington Park, Maryland
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    It's cheaper in the long run to just buy the new seat. Those steroid shots will put you out of service for a few days. The doctors will not let you drive for a few days when you get those shots.

    I've had to get them and they hurt like hell but are worth it. Whatever you do, don't let the docs put you on oxycodone for the pain, it's a narcotic and you wont be allowed to drive at all while using that pain killer.

    There are back pillows you can use in the truck, Your chiropractor should have some on display. Adding extra cushion to the bottom part of the seat will help too. I've never tried them personally but I heard that those beads for the drivers seat works. Good Luck Driver!
     
    Rif Raf McQ, Jul 31, 2012
    Rif Raf McQ, Jul 31, 2012
    #5
    NavigatorWife and bullhaulerswife Thank this.
  8. Jul 31, 2012 #6
    bullhaulerswife

    bullhaulerswife Forum Leader/Admin Staff Member Administrator

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    I think that this is one of the gray areas that W/C counts on. But ergonomics are important. Just as important as good shoes for a Nurse that's on her feet all day, a decent seat is important to those that are on the road all day.

    Back issues are common in this industry, and it's something that needs looked at.

    My husband had a broken down seat in his truck, and he'd come home, get out of the truck and walk kind of bent over for a while before the stiffness would go away. He wouldn't buy a new seat for his truck, so I did! It was his Christmas present. It has like 9 different places for adjustment. It wasn't overly expensive, but wasn't the cheap cardboard type seat either. He does not complain about his back now, and gets out of the truck upright, instead of being bent over. He's proof that a good seat with adjustments can make a difference in a persons back and how they feel.

    Back pain will wear you out in short order. :yes2557:
     
    bullhaulerswife, Jul 31, 2012
    bullhaulerswife, Jul 31, 2012
    #6
    NavigatorWife and Rif Raf McQ Thank this.
  9. Jul 31, 2012 #7
    CAXPT

    CAXPT Road Train Member

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    You have history and you have documentation. Get a lawyer. They've turned you down, but that can be appealed. They may be saying no on financial grounds, so you have to make it more expensive for them to say no. Sometimes hardball is the only game they understand.

    I understand your hesitancy and the reasons, but so do they, and they're using those against you, so you're going to have to make a choice or come to an amicable solution with your employer that works for both of you.

    Ergonomics are the reason for your injury and they are a reason Government is issuing ergonomic regulations.
     
    CAXPT, Jul 31, 2012
    CAXPT, Jul 31, 2012
    #7
    bullhaulerswife Thanks this.
  10. Jul 31, 2012 #8
    quackerduck

    quackerduck Bobtail Member

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    Jul 31, 2012
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    Thank you all for your input & more is still welcomed
     
    quackerduck, Jul 31, 2012
    quackerduck, Jul 31, 2012
    #8
  11. Jul 31, 2012 #9
    Rif Raf McQ

    Rif Raf McQ Light Load Member

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    May 9, 2012
    Lexington Park, Maryland
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    Another thing that has helped me and I am no stranger to back pain. I have recently (within 6 months) have inserted those dr scholls in my shoes and boots and I am amazed at how well they work. Granted these things cost upwards of $45.00 but are worth every penny. My back and posture has improved greatly since using them.

    If you do use them make sure you get on that scale type thing and it will scan your posture and then tell you which number to buy to help you better. I get mine at Walmart and they do have this scale thing.
     
    Rif Raf McQ, Jul 31, 2012
    Rif Raf McQ, Jul 31, 2012
    #9
  12. Jul 31, 2012 #10
    112racing

    112racing Road Train Member

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    unfortunately most states when you file a workers comp claim you must use the company doctor that the insurance company requires unless they release you to go to whomever you want.

    after a certain period of time like 6 months and you don't like results from their doctor you can pick new doctor and the insurance company must pay.

    of course this depending on the laws of your state
     
    112racing, Jul 31, 2012
    112racing, Jul 31, 2012
    #10
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