Still in Pain After a Work Injury? How Workers’ Comp Can Help With Pain Management

Pain after a workplace injury can make it difficult to work, stay active, or complete everyday tasks. While some pain improves as an injury heals, other symptoms may continue despite initial treatment.

If pain is not improving or is interfering with your recovery, a pain management physician can help evaluate your symptoms, identify possible sources of pain, and determine appropriate treatment options.

At 360 Orthopedics, our Pain Management team provides individualized care for injured workers throughout Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Venice, and surrounding communities.

Why Can Pain Continue After a Work Injury?

Workplace injuries can affect the muscles, joints, nerves, spine, and surrounding tissues. Depending on the injury, pain may begin immediately or become more noticeable over time.

Common causes of work-related pain may include:

• Slips, trips, and falls
• Lifting or carrying heavy objects
• Repetitive bending, twisting, pushing, or pulling
• Neck and back injuries
• Muscle and soft-tissue injuries
• Vehicle or other workplace accidents
• Repetitive or physically demanding job duties

For some injured workers, symptoms improve with initial treatment, activity modification, or rehabilitation. For others, pain may persist and affect mobility, sleep, daily activities, or the ability to perform normal job duties.

When Should You See a Pain Management Physician?

Every workplace injury is different, but ongoing symptoms may require further evaluation.

Talk with your medical provider if you experience:

• Pain that is not improving with initial treatment
• Pain that interferes with work or daily activities
• Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations
• Pain that travels into an arm or leg
• Difficulty participating in rehabilitation because of pain
• Symptoms that are worsening instead of improving

A pain management evaluation can help determine why symptoms are continuing and which treatment options may be appropriate.

How Is Pain After a Workplace Injury Treated?

Pain management is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Your physician will consider your diagnosis, symptoms, previous treatment, medical history, and how the injury is affecting your ability to function.

Depending on your condition, treatment may include:

• Physical therapy
• Medication when appropriate
• Therapeutic injections
• Radiofrequency ablation
• Spinal cord stimulation
• Other treatments based on your diagnosis and individual needs

Not every patient needs the same treatment. The goal is to develop an individualized care plan that helps manage pain, improve function, and support recovery.

Pain Management at 360 Orthopedics

Our pain management physicians — Ashot Kotcharian, MD, Justin M. Raye, DO, and Douglas Constant, MD — evaluate and treat a range of painful conditions, including those that may result from workplace injuries.

360 Orthopedics also offers an on-site fluoroscopy suite for certain image-guided pain management procedures. Fluoroscopy uses real-time X-ray imaging to help physicians guide certain injections and procedures when appropriate.

With pain management, orthopedic care, and rehabilitation services available within our practice, our team can help provide coordinated care throughout an injured worker’s recovery.

Does Workers’ Comp Cover Pain Management in Florida?

Workers’ Compensation may cover medically necessary pain management care related to an eligible workplace injury. Treatment generally needs to be authorized through the Workers’ Compensation carrier, so coverage will depend on the individual claim and recommended care.

If you are unsure whether a pain management appointment or treatment has been authorized, check with your Workers’ Compensation adjuster or case manager.

Coordinated Workers’ Comp Care at 360 Orthopedics

Recovering from a workplace injury may involve several stages of care. At 360 Orthopedics, our dedicated Workers’ Compensation team helps coordinate care throughout the recovery process.

Our specialties include orthopedic surgery, pain management, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and sports medicine.

Having multiple services available within our practice helps support communication between the providers involved in an injured worker’s care. Our goal is to provide timely, individualized treatment that supports recovery, improves function, and helps patients safely progress toward returning to work.

Frequently Asked Questions About Workers’ Comp Pain Management

When should I see a pain management doctor after a work injury?

If pain is not improving with initial treatment, is getting worse, or is interfering with work, rehabilitation, or everyday activities, talk with your medical provider. They can determine whether further evaluation or a referral to pain management may be appropriate.

Do I need authorization to see a pain management physician through Workers’ Comp?

Generally, non-emergency medical treatment requires authorization through the Workers’ Compensation carrier. If you are unsure whether your appointment or referral has been authorized, check with your adjuster or case manager before receiving care.

Does seeing a pain management physician mean I will need injections?

No. Pain management begins with evaluating your symptoms, diagnosis, previous treatment, and individual needs. Injections are one possible treatment option, but they are not appropriate for every patient.

Can physical therapy be part of pain management after a work injury?

Yes. Physical therapy may be part of a treatment plan for certain work-related musculoskeletal injuries. Depending on the injury, therapy may help improve mobility, strength, movement, and function.

Still in Pain After a Workplace Injury?

Ongoing pain can make it difficult to recover and return to your normal activities. If symptoms are not improving, further evaluation can help determine the appropriate next step.

Learn more about Workers’ Compensation care at 360 Orthopedics or contact our team to learn more about scheduling authorized care.