Alaskan workers often put their backs at risk no matter what their job is. From receptionists to heavy lifters, everyone uses their back in day-to-day work. Because of that, back injuries are a big reason for worker’s compensation claims. Today we will examine the true cost of a back injury.

MedlinePlus reminds us that back injuries can cover many types of damage. An injury to the back can include nerves, bone or soft tissue. Sometimes it is a combination of all three. Back injuries usually result in pain and difficulty moving. The severity can vary depending on the injured area.

Recovery times can also vary. Some people may need a few weeks to recover. For others, the recovery process can last years. In some cases, damage may be permanent and a victim may never be able to fully return to their life before the injury.

Because of this, it can be hard to predict how much a back injury may cost you. Some people only miss a small amount of work. Others may have to apply for disability or worker’s compensation due to the amount of work they miss. Likewise, medical costs can vary. Some victims have extensive and continued expenses to cover. This includes initial hospital visits, check-ups, medication and physical therapy.

The longer a back injury takes to recover from, the more it will cost. Both the company and suffering employee will lose money. This is why it is important to treat back injuries like the serious problem they are. Compensation may help individuals stay afloat in these troubling times.