Next Steps if Physical Therapy Didn’t Work for My North Carolina Work-Related Back Injury

Back injuries are among the most painful and limiting for North Carolina workers. Employers and insurance companies often begin treatment with conservative options such as medication, rest, and physical therapy. While physical treatment helps many workers, others see little to no improvement.

When therapy does not reduce pain or restore function, it is entirely normal to feel frustrated and unsure of what to do next.

Physical therapy is only the first step in a workers’ compensation treatment plan. North Carolina law allows injured workers to pursue additional care when early treatment does not resolve the problem. Understanding your options can help you protect your health and your benefits.

Why Physical Therapy May Not Be Enough

Work-related back injuries vary widely. Herniated discs, nerve compression, spinal instability, and severe muscle trauma may not respond to physical therapy because the underlying injury requires a higher level of treatment. Even when a worker follows every instruction and completes every session, improvement is not guaranteed.

If physical therapy has not helped, that does not mean your injury is minor. It means your condition may need further evaluation.

Request a Follow-Up Evaluation With Your Authorized Treating Physician

Your authorized treating physician oversees your workers’ compensation care. If therapy is not working, the next step is to return to this doctor and report your symptoms clearly.

Your doctor may recommend:

• A new MRI or CT scan to identify what is causing your pain.
• A referral to an orthopedic surgeon or neurosurgeon.
• Adjustments to medication or pain-management strategies.
• A modification or temporary pause in your therapy plan.

Your doctor’s updated evaluation often determines whether the insurance company will approve additional treatment, so this step is essential.

Explore Additional Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Physical therapy is only one form of conservative care. If it has not helped, another option might.

Depending on your diagnosis, your doctor may consider:

• Epidural steroid injections.
• Nerve blocks.
• Chiropractic care.
• Acupuncture or other approved complementary treatments.
• A back brace or supportive medical device.

These treatments can reduce inflammation or stabilize the spine, providing meaningful relief.

Consider Whether Surgery May Be Necessary

Some back injuries will not heal without surgical intervention. When all other treatments fail, surgery may be the best option to relieve pain and restore function.

Common procedures include:

• Discectomy to relieve pressure on a nerve.
• Laminectomy to reduce spinal compression.
• Spinal fusion to stabilize damaged vertebrae.

If your doctor recommends surgery, workers’ compensation may cover:

• Hospital and surgical expenses.
• Follow-up appointments and rehabilitation.
• Medications and medical equipment.
• Wage-replacement benefits during recovery.
• Permanent disability benefits if long-term limitations remain.

You Have the Right to Request a Second Medical Opinion

If your doctor recommends additional treatment and the insurance company disagrees, you can request a second medical opinion. You may also seek a second opinion if you feel your recovery has stalled and you want another evaluation.

A second opinion can:

• Confirm your diagnosis and the severity of your injury.
• Offer new treatment recommendations.
• Strengthen your claim for additional care.
• Challenge insurance attempts to limit or deny benefits.

You do not have to rely on a single medical opinion when your health and your ability to work are at stake.

Continue Your Wage-Replacement Benefits While You Seek Additional Care

Many workers worry that benefits will stop when therapy fails. If your injury prevents you from returning to work, you may continue receiving temporary total disability benefits while you pursue additional treatment. These benefits should not stop simply because one type of care did not help.

If the insurance company reduces or stops your payments, an attorney can intervene to protect your rights.

When Your Recovery Stalls, We Help You Move Forward

If physical therapy has not improved your work-related back injury, you still have options, and you still have rights. Ramsay Law Firm can help you obtain additional medical treatment, challenge unfair denials, and secure the wage benefits you depend on while you recover.

Call (704) 376-1616 or contact us online for a free consultation. We will explain your options and help you take meaningful steps toward recovery.

A Voice For The Injured. Here Every Step of The Way.

Related Blogs

• When Does a Workers’ Compensation Injury Require Physical Therapy?
• What Can I Expect From Physical Therapy After Suffering a Workplace Back Injury?
• Does North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Cover Physical Therapy After a Neck Surgery?
• What Can I Expect from Physical Therapy After Suffering a Workplace Knee Injury?
• What Would My Next Step Be If Physical Therapy Isn’t Working for My Work-Related Back Injury?