What are cumulative trauma injuries? These painful injuries usually arise when you perform the same tasks on repeat. For example, typing all day can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, one of the most common cumulative injuries.
Many employees suffering from cumulative trauma injuries do not bother seeing a doctor because the symptoms are often mild initially. Unfortunately, this may be a mistake and could eventually compromise your well-being and ability to earn an income.
How can a medical opinion help your circumstances?
Instead of shrugging off the pain and mobility problems caused by repetitive motions and cumulative trauma, get an assessment. Doing so gives you the information you need to decide your next steps.
Specific reasons to see a physician:
To get an official diagnosis. You may feel you know the cause of your problem, but the only way to be sure is to see a doctor. Once diagnosed, your physician can treat the condition and help you heal.
To avoid complications. Cumulative trauma can lead to severe complications if left untreated, such as permanent nerve damage, joint degeneration and muscle atrophy. Proper care can prevent complications from arising.
To obtain workers’ compensation. A doctor may link your injury symptoms to your job. When injuries, even cumulative ones, are related to your work, you may be eligible for benefits, such as medical care and lost wage replacement.
To return to work safely. Even if you take a few days off to rest, your symptoms will probably return. Seeing a doctor may speed up your recovery and get you back to work as quickly (and safely) as possible.
Cumulative trauma claims can be more complex than others because such injuries are often hard to diagnose. To ensure you get the benefits you deserve, consider getting legal guidance from someone familiar with the California workers’ compensation program.