According to the United States Department of Labor, nearly three million workers suffered an injury or illness on the job in 2014. Over half of these workers were so affected by their work-related injury or health condition that they either missed days of work, had to transfer jobs, or had to face task restrictions while at work.
At Pain Stop MD, we are here to help those workers feel better, get better, and stay healthy after their recovery. We are a full-range medical clinic that works only with patients who were injured while on the job, and those who may be seeking either Texas Workers’ Compensation claims or Department of Labor Office of Workers’ Compensation Program (OWCP) claims.
As medical professionals who only see injured workers, our team is not only very familiar with common workplace injuries, such as repetitive motion injuries, but we are also familiar with all of the hardships that workers face after an on-the-job injury – from worrying about finances, to managing chronic pain, to feeling stress about their families and careers.
We help both those employed by private companies and those employed by the state and federal government, including:
- Postal workers
- Construction workers
- Office workers and clerks
- Jail and prison workers
- TSA employees
- Registered nurses
- Forest service employees
- Compliance officers
We understand that some injured workers do not see a non-company doctor after their injury, and that many wish to seek a second opinion after their initial visit with a physician. We also understand that many injured workers struggle with pain management after an injury and often lose hope that they can ever become pain-free. We want all of these workers to know that we are dedicated to helping them, from finally finding the right diagnosis to searching for a treatment plan that eases your pain and puts you on the path to recovery.
If you are a Texas worker who is injured, in pain, frustrated, overwhelmed, and unsure of where to turn for medical care, we want to hear from you and we want to help. Book a consultation with our board-certified doctor or to ask a question about your situation. Alternatively, fill out our electronic contact form and one of our team members will get in touch with you as soon as possible.
Common Workplace Injuries in Dallas, Texas
There are literally thousands of jobs across Texas, from office jobs that involve long hours at a desk to the extremely physical work of construction workers and industrial laborers. Although some of these jobs are more hazardous than others, all employees are at risk for an on-the-job injury, and all employees should know their rights related to workplace accidents and health conditions.
Some injuries are more common in the workplace than they are in everyday life – including repetitive movement and overuse injuries. Generally, common workplace injuries include:
- Head injuries
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Hand and wrist injuries
- Leg and knee injuries
- Foot and ankle injuries
- Internal injuries
It is vital that the skeletomuscular injuries listed above are treated with precision, care, and urgency so that they heal completely and correctly. It is also vital that patients participate in rehab, including physical therapy and physiotherapy when medically necessary. This will foster a return to health, strength, and range of motion.
What To Do After An Injury At Work
Getting injured on the job is different than an injury that happens when you are off the clock. While making certain that you get the medical help you need, the workers’ compensation you need, and a safe work environment in the future, it is vital that you take certain steps quickly and deliberately after an accident.
- Get medical assistance immediately. There is nothing more important than your health. If you have been injured in any accident anywhere, getting to a doctor for diagnosis and treatment is the very first priority. This is especially true in the case of head injuries, neck and back injuries, and internal injuries.
- Report your injury to a manager or supervisor. Although your health comes first, it is key to report the accident as soon as possible, even if you are not sure if you have been seriously injured at the time. Many workplaces have accident or incident report forms – fill it out as thoroughly as possible and include as much detail as possible.
- Collect any other evidence possible. In addition to the accident form, you may wish to collect other information, such as statements from witnesses or pictures of the accident scene. This could become helpful during the workers’ compensation process.
- Follow all medical treatments and prescriptions. After seeing your doctor, be sure to comply with all of his or her prescriptions and recommendations. See a specialist if you are referred to one and engage consistently in any physical therapies.
- Report any lingering symptoms to a doctor. It is not uncommon for accident victims to not notice an injury until after the case – even days or weeks down the road. For example, an injury victim who suffers a head injury may not notice symptoms like headaches, mood issues, and other neurological problems. A person with a neck injury may not notice pain until the day after an accident. In these cases, do not hesitate to return to the doctor for proper treatment, even if you have already been.
- Know your workers’ compensation rights. The majority of Texas workers and federal workers have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim after an on-the-job injury in order to have financial security during their recovery away from work, and in order to field hospital bills and other medical costs. It is imperative to understand how workers’ compensation works and how to file a claim for the amount that you are owed. A workers’ compensation attorney can help you better understand your case.
It is important to note that not all work injuries are the outcome of a one-time accident. A significant number of workplace injuries happen over time due to overuse and repetitive movements. Still, others are due to being exposed to a hazardous environment. These work-related health conditions should be reported as soon as you notice them, and you should see a doctor as soon as possible to prevent chronic or permanent issues.
Our Medical Services: How We Can Help
All of our clinic’s medical services are tailored to help injured workers, and unlike many work injury clinics who only have a chiropractor on staff, our clinic is staffed by a board-certified medical doctor.
- Diagnostic testing. Knowing exactly what is wrong when you are hurting is vital to getting well again. Our doctor will review your medical records, conduct an exam, and order the appropriate tests to get to the bottom of your symptoms.
- Acute care. If you have been injured in an accident that requires immediate, short-term care, such as a sprain or strain, we are here to help.
- Chronic pain management program. One of the most debilitating issues for recovering workers is often chronic pain, especially in relation to back and neck injuries. Our pain management program takes special care to help our patients feel comfortable while using the most conservative dosages possible.
- Prescriptions. Our board-certified medical doctor is here to prescribe you all of the medications that you need to manage your pain and promote your recovery – all in the right doses and for the right amount of time.
- Physiotherapy. Physiotherapy is an important aspect to many of our patients’ recovery and recuperation. This treatment uses movement, exercise, manual therapy, and education to strengthen the body, manage pain, and increase general wellbeing.
- Surgery. Although surgery is often a last resort after other treatments and therapies, it can be the procedure that finally gets our patient well.
Schedule A Consultation With Our Doctor Today
Being injured while on the job can be stressful, overwhelming, painful, and confusing. The last thing that you want to worry about as you are navigating your life after a workplace injury is whether or not you are getting the right treatment. At Pain Stop MD, we are dedicated to getting workers back on the road to health as soon as possible and back to their jobs when the time is right.
All patients who meet with our work injury doctor will:
- Have their medical records reviewed.
- Get to tell the story of their injury to a medical professional.
- Get the diagnostic tests that they need to get answers about their health.
- Receive a thoughtful treatment plan that manages your pain and helps you recover.
- Get ongoing support through check-ups and physical therapy.
We have treated a number of patients who have only to this point seen a company doctor. We have treated a number of patients who have had difficulty finding the right pain management plan and treatment plan for them. We have treated a number of patients who were ready to give up hope at finding comfort and health again.
To schedule a meeting with our doctor, or to ask a question about our medical services, please contact us today.