Chronic pain may qualify you for New Jersey workers’ compensation

Chronic pain has many causes some of which may occur due to workplace injuries. A worker who is affected by chronic pain sustained while working may be entitled to collect workers’ compensation benefits.

An injured person may experience sudden or acute pain resulting from a workplace accident or injury. Chronic pain typically starts with an initial mishap or injury. However, unlike acute pain which is temporary, chronic pain can involve the nervous system sending pain messages to the brain for weeks, months or even years.

One of the more common sources of back pain comes in the form of injuries to the lower back. Pain can also be brought about by diseases such as cancer and arthritis. Sometimes chronic pain is created by an injury to the central nervous system.

The most common symptoms of chronic pain include headache and lower back pain. Some victims may also have pain that comes from a number of causes like chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia and inflammatory bowel disease.

A number of treatments can be pursued for chronic pain. These may include prescription and non-prescription medications used to ease pain. Acupuncture has also been shown to be helpful in some cases. Surgery is sometimes needed to relieve long-term pain. Chronic pain sufferers may also benefit from psychotherapy, biofeedback and relaxation.

Once the causes of the pain have been identified and addressed by therapy, people can often find relief. Treatments aimed at undoing the long-term effects of chronic pain may also be used and paid for with workers’ compensation benefits if the chronic pain is associated with a workplace injury.

Source: The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, “Chronic Pain.”