Has Your Doctor Recommended An Artificial Lumbar Or Cervical Disc For Your Minnesota Workers Compensation Injury?

Having undergone multiple spine surgeries myself, the use of artificial discs in the area of Minnesota workers compensation cases is more than a professional interest for me...it's personal.  I have had multiple cervical and lumbar spine surgeries over the course of 30 years.  During that time, there was no such thing as an artificial disc being used her in Minnesota.  

Over the last decade multiple companies have used a form of artificial disc for both lumbar and cervical surgeries.  What they have learned and I have experienced with or clients, is that they often don't work in the lumbar spine but have been extraordinary successful in the cervical spine.  If you think about it, there is far less weight and stressors on the neck in comparison to the low back.  One of the struggles with a lumbar artificial disc is described in a recent Minnesota Workers Compensation Court of Appeals case I handled.   Our client had an unsuccessful artificial lumbar disc surgery which resulted in him being permanently and totally disabled.  If you would like to read about our victory and the case follow this link.

The Mobi C is the most popular and in my opinion the most successful artificial disc being used today in cervical spine surgeries.  I have spoken on this topic at seminars with a few surgeons in Minnesota including Drs. Mary Dunn and Nick Will (one is a neurosurgeon and the other is an orthopedic surgeon) and they both speak very highly of the Mobi C.  I have had dozens of clients use the Mobi C in the cervical spine and so far, they have experienced excellent results.  Though there is always a risk involving any surgery there seems to be less complications with the Mobi C then in a normal cervical fusion.  Clients have experienced greater neck flexibility, less chance of infection and faster recovery times over a standard fusion.  Below is a video which describes the procedure and the device.

If you have sustained a Minnesota Workers Compensation Injury you should always speak to an experienced workers compensation expert.  You may believe, incorrectly, that everything is being paid properly and you are getting the maximum benefit.  Well, that's rarely the case.  We offer absolutely FREE and no pressure phone or in person meetings to discuss your injury.  We are one of Minnesota's largest and most successful workers compensation law firms.  All of our lawyers have been recognized by our peers and judges as Superlawyers, we have recovered millions of dollars in benefits for our clients every year, and we achieve larger settlements than most firms because the insurance companies know the lawyers at Atkinson Law Office have tried hundreds of cases to hearing and aren't afraid to fight when necessary.  Our phones are answered 24 hours/day, call today 651-333-3636.  We represent Minnesota workers who have have been injured across the entire state and throughout the Unites States.  Atkinson Law Office; we are Minnesota's number one workers compensation law firm.

I Suffered A Minnesota Workers Compensation Injury. Do I Need Back Surgery?

Though I've been a Minnesota workers compensation attorney my entire legal career, that's the very same question I asked myself nearly 20 years ago.  Do I need lumbar spine surgery.

I was injured at work and despite conservative care, my radicular leg and back pain left me unable to sleep and barely able to function.  Over time I grew frustrated, short tempered and frightened about my future.  Despite being a young lawyer, I was worried that I wouldn't be able to do my job given my inability to sit or stand for extended periods of time; a prerequisite to being a trial lawyer.  I was taking narcotic medications that left me fuzzy at best and only took the edge off my pain.  I want to share with you what I've have learned over the past few decades since my injury and lumbar spine surgery.

Over the years I have handled or represented over a thousand cases involving spinal cord injuries.  I'm unique in being the only Minnesota work comp attorney who has sustained a spinal cord work related injury.  In fact, I have undergone three spinal surgeries since 1992.  Lucky me right?  Twentyfive years later spine surgeries have dramatically changed and in most cases improved.  During this time I have seen aggressive use of lumbar and cervical fusions, the introduction of artificial discs, and development of spinal cord stimulators.

Most lawyers are hesitant to offer advice on surgery because they haven't had the same.  Though I'm a workers compensation attorney, I feel obligated to be a "counselor" as well.  I encourage my clients to explore conservative treatment and only enter into the decision of spinal surgery after the same.  I also make sure that they understand that though surgery can relieve their symptoms, in rare situations their conditions could worsen.  I offer the names of physicians and clinics that have a proven track record of having, "good hands, good heads and good hearts".  I consider myself lucky that my surgeries have turned out extraordinarily well.  I am 100% pain free.

I often blog that not all workers compensation attorneys are equal and that experience matters.  This applies to orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons as well.  Like some lawyers I know, a surgeon may come across as confident and a smooth talker.  This doesn't mean they are either good in the courtroom or in the operating room.  Surgeons can be overconfident of their talents and fail to communicate or even know the long term outcome of their surgical patients.  Very few have patient follow up beyond 3-6 months post surgery.  If the patients having ongoing or worsening pain and are non surgical there is usually nothing a surgeon can offer you and they wash their hands with you.  In fact, in many cases the last time you see your surgeon is just before the surgery or while recovering at the surgical center or hospital.  Often follow up care is performed by nurse practitioners or physicians assistants.  Remember; "good hands, good heads and good hearts".  It's rare to find a surgeon with both.

If you sustained a work injury and want to discuss the surgery, I'm happy to sit down with you for free and listen and discuss with you your options.  A decision to undergo surgery is a personal decision and I will never tell you to do the same.  I will simply share with you what I have experienced personally and in the thousands of workers compensation cases I have been involved with over the last 25 years.  With this information you can hopefully make a more informed decision of what is best for you and your family.  Contact us today at 651-333-3636 for a free consultations.  Every single one of our attorneys has been honored as a Superlawyer and is a workers compensation expert.  Visit us at www.mndisability.com for more information.  Also visit our video center for answers to many of your questions.  Our phones are answer 24/7 and in many cases you can talk to a lawyer anytime of the day or night.

Spinal Cord Stimulators. Are They Safe And Will Work Comp Pay For One?

Spinal cord stimulators have been around for decades.  In the nearly 25 years that I have been a workers compensation attorney, I have been involved in nearly a hundred cases involving spinal cord stimulators.  The first observation I have is that the actual devices have dramatically changed over time.  The first ones were large, clunky, plagued with software issues and not permanent.  They are none of those things now as you can see from the image to the right.

Years ago I represented a "retired" US Marine who sustained a significant back injury.  After a "failed" lumbar fusion his surgeon recommended a spinal cord stimulator.  "Bill" wanted to be able to get back into his farm fields to drive tractors and bale hay for his livestock.  After the stimulator was implanted Bill was a changed man.  His smile returned, he was extremely mobile and yes he was able to get back on his tractor.  I spoke with Bill a few days ago and he recently had a new model implanted that was voluntarily paid by the workers compensation insurer after losing the first fight nearly 10 years ago.

The process has changed somewhat since Bill had his stimulator implanted.  Bill's device was recently replaced because the battery power was failing.  New models are much smaller and  unlike Bill's first model, they can be charged subcutaneously or through your skin.  In addition the software which is just as important as the hardware has dramatically improved.

Over the past decade Atkinson Law has NEVER lost a spinal cord stimulator claim.  NEVER!  There are specific rules that must be followed by your treating physician to obtain approval and payment for your device.  At Atkinson Law we have a very successful model we follow to present a strong claim where appropriate, to assist you and your physician obtaining approval.  If you are considering a spinal cord stimulator I strongly urge you to contact one of our attorneys today.  Call 651-333-3636 and visit our website at  www.mndisability.com You consultation with our expert attorneys is always free and if we get your spinal cord stimulator approved, our fees will be paid directly by the workers compensation insurer.

Low Back Injury At Work? What To Do If You Have A Minnesota Work Related Back Injury.

Every week our staff of trained professional Minnesota workers compensation lawyers and paralegals receive calls from Minnesota workers suffering low back and neck injuries.  This article answers the question; When should you contact a medical professional? 

Our attorneys understand that sustaining work related low back and neck injuries can be financially devastating and emotionally stressful.  Injured workers often have more questions than answers.  Our experienced lawyers can help. Atkinson Law Office and attorney's Tom Atkinson and Kerry Atkinson have handled thousand of Minnesota workers compensation cases involving lumbar spine and cervical spine injuries over the past 20 years.  When an injured worker sustains any of the following symptoms, we strongly urge that they immediately seek medical treatment:

• Back pain after a severe fall or blow
• Blood in your urine or burning with urination
• Loss of control over urine or stool (often referred to as incontinence)
• Pain traveling down your arms to your fingers or legs below the knee
• Pain that is worse when you lie down or that wakes you up at night
• Warmth, redness or swelling on the back or spine
• Severe pain that does not allow you to get comfortable; ie sitting, standing or sleeping
• Weakness or numbness in your buttocks, thigh, leg, or pelvis

Though we are not medical doctors we have personal experience with both neck and low back injuries.  Aside from our experiences working with injured workers, Tom Atkinson has unfortunately undergone both neck and low back surgeries due to work injuries.  These experiences are often very helpful in providing advice and guidance to other workers who have sustained similar work injuries.  Let the attorneys and staff of Atkinson Law Office share our work comp experience today.  Call for a free consultation.  651-333-3636 and visit our website at www.mndisability.com for additional information regarding Minnesota work injuries.

I Hurt My Back And Need Surgery, What Now?

Perhaps you are just like me and hurt your back at work.  I hurt my lumbar spine (low back) after a work related fall and had to undergo two lumbar spine surgeries over two years.  It began with severe leg pain and modest back pain.  Perhaps you thought that you hurt your leg and not your back because of the shooting pain, numbness or tingling in your leg.  This is not unusual.  After an MRI and referral to a surgeon you have may been advised to have surgery like me.  What now?

The first time around, I tried a short course of physical therapy and steroids without any success.  I underwent surgery with an excellent neurosurgeon and had great results.  Unfortunately I had a second injury resulting in an even larger disc injury at the same level. The second time I tried to do everything possible to avoid surgery.  I tried physical therapy and two different types of steroids to avoid surgery.  I couldn't sit for long periods, couldn't sleep and was absolutely miserable.  One of the medications I was prescribed resulted in an unpleasant side affect called steroid psychosis which was absolutely frightening!  I relented and underwent a second surgery.  The second surgery had a number of unexpected complications but eventually my luck changed and I have made a good recovery.  Though I still struggle with leg pain and some other issues, I have been able to put in long hours with my legal practice, bike and even run a half marathon. 

Surgery is a serious decision and I counsel clients every week on THEIR decision to have cervical surgery (yep, I've also had neck surgery), back surgery, etc.  Let me help you with your work related injury and counsel you on your options and how surgery will affect your future employment and workers compensation benefits.  Our lawyers have decades of experience each and you will receive personal attention to your claim.  How many lawyers give you their cell phone number to call them with questions?  I do, my cell phone is 651-324-9514.  I look forward to hearing from you.  Feel free to visit our website as well www.mndisability.com or call 651-414-0678 to make an appointment.