What to Do If You Experience Neck Pain as a Truck Driver
Each year, over 20% of truck drivers report experiencing neck pain. While many of us think of injuries as stemming from an isolated event, gripping the steering wheel, turning your head to check for oncoming traffic, and loading and unloading shipments are all common causes of chronic pain. If left untreated, neck pain can cause other health complications, making it unbearable to continue your normal job duties.
At The Law Offices of Matarazzo & Lubcher, P.C., we are committed to assisting individuals in submitting work injury claims to replace lost wages and to cover medical expenses. In this blog, our Cherry Hill workers’ compensation attorneys discuss what causes neck pain in truck drivers while walking you through the process of filing a workers’ compensation claim.
Causes of Neck Pain in Truck Drivers
Neck pain in truck drivers is most commonly caused by:
- Limited space in the truck cabin, causing drivers to develop poor posture
- Driving with the steering wheel at the wrong height
- Repetitive motions, such as loading and unloading shipments or repeatedly turning the head to check for oncoming traffic while driving
- Tension caused by gripping the steering wheel or grinding your teeth
- An accident that causes whiplash or other injury to the cervical spine
- Sleeping on an unsupportive mattress that causes spinal alignment issues
When Should I Seek Medical Treatment?
Neck pain can be caused by muscle strain or tension, a herniated disc, or overstretching of tendons or ligaments in the neck. Symptoms of neck pain may include reduced discomfort when holding the head in one position for a prolonged period, spasms, an inability to move the head from side to side, and headaches. When the pain persists for several days without relief, travels down the arms, or causes a tingling or weakness in the arms, then you will want to be seen by a medical professional.
Steps to Take to File a Cherry Hill Workers’ Compensation Claim
Neck pain can worsen quickly, especially if you ignore the symptoms of a more serious issue. Our Cherry Hill workers’ compensation lawyers suggest you take the following steps to preserve your right to file workers’ compensation:
- Under N.J.S.A. 34:15-17, you should give your employer notice within 14 days of your injury. However, New Jersey law gives you a maximum of 90 days to report your injury to your employer or supervisor, provided that you have a reason for not notifying your supervisor sooner.
- Be sure to ask your employer to provide a list of providers that are covered under your insurance plan.
- At your medical evaluation, you will want to let the provider know that your injury is work-related.
- Keep documentation from your visits, including diagnosis, treatment plans, and any work restrictions.
- You may need to submit forms to the New Jersey Division of Workers’ Compensation if your employer or insurance disputes your claim.
- After your claim is submitted, you will have to wait to hear back from insurance regarding whether your claim is approved or denied.
Assistance from a Cherry Hill Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
The moment you have experienced a work injury is the moment you should speak with a Cherry Hill workers’ compensation attorney. In working with a member of our team, you ensure that your claim will be handled smoothly. We will investigate the circumstances behind your injury or the cause of your neck strain to help you gather the evidence you need to provide to insurance. If your claim is denied, our lawyers have the needed experience to successfully represent you at an appeal hearing. To schedule your free consultation at Matarazzo & Lubcher, P.C., contact us online or give us a call at (856) 460-5805 today.