Protruded disc herniation

[pace82]

I have been working in the offshore oil field for ten months.  I have never had any back problems.  Before beginning this job I was given a MRI by the company i am currently working with.  At that time i had no problems what so ever with my spine or disc.  I currently started having lower back pain.  Once i got sent to get it checked out i was diagnosed with a 3.0mm central protruded dis herniation.  The company is wanting me to go back to work.  The doctor is saying i can but he doesn't recommend it.  Now even though he hasn't recommended me to go he has cleared me to go.  Different types of therapy has been given to manipulate the muscles back to normal.  Yet the disc hasn't changed.  I am having jolts of pain down my left leg on the outside.  I can only imagine that if i go back to work then i will continue to hurt the disc and indirectly hurt my back and health.  What is your recommendation about getting a second opinion?  What is the dangers at going back to work and doing the same work that has caused this injury so far?    My job consist of lifting 100lbs daily and haevy manual labor.  

[melo64]

Do you fall under the Longshore &Harbor workers compensation act?

[fairylady77]

what is your dr thinking??????????? if you have to lift that kind of weights everyday....you are going to damage your back even further!! please tell me that hes put you on extreme weight restrictions!!!! let me guess....workers comp????? UGH!  your wc dr is paid by workers comp to release you back to work before you are ready. you will most likely need to hire an attorney, b/c its going to be one long battle. it depends on your state as to whether or not you can get a second opinion....BUT....depending on the state, a 2nd opinion is NOT a second opinion for treatment, etc...it is ONLY a 2nd opinion for ratings. you REALLLLLY need to at least speak to a board certified wc specialist. it costs nothing to talk to them..and nothing UNLESS you hire them and they win your case. so....its HIGHLY recommended that you at least talk with one. you will be extremely surprised as to how screwed up the workers comp system is....THEY DO NOT CARE ABOUT YOU...PERIOD.

please visit www.workerscompensationinsurance.com

this is a website for INJURED WORKERS   and it lists each state so that you can learn the laws/rules about workers comp in your state....as each state is different. this is an extremely helpful site....