Regardless of your profession, a neck strain is one of those injuries that can pop up at almost any time.
For example, if you work as a moving professional, lifting heavy boxes all day long can take a toll on your body, such as by causing a neck strain.
Just the same, working in an office environment doesn’t necessarily keep you safe, as staring at a computer screen all day can also impact the overall health of your neck and back.
If you suspect a neck strain or sprain, here’s what you should do:
- Report the injury to your employer: Let them know what’s wrong, especially if there was a particular incident, such as a slip and fall, that resulted in your injury.
- Seek medical care: Don’t assume that you “only” have a neck strain. It’s possible that you’re dealing with a much more serious injury, such as a herniated disc.
- Talk about your treatment options: After diagnosis, your medical team can provide an overview of the treatment options best suited to your injury and current level of health. This can include everything from pain medication to heat to plenty of rest.
Any type of neck injury has the potential to slow you down, which could result in some necessary time away from work.
If you suffered your injury on the job or over the course of time as the result of your employment, don’t hesitate to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. You can rely on these payments to maintain financial stability as you recover with hopes of quickly returning to your previous job.