Workers' Compensation

Your Journey Back to Work

What to expect after a workplace spine injury, from referral to your release back to full duty. Most of our workers' compensation evaluations do not end in surgery. We care for injured workers across the Kansas City area from our offices in Overland Park and Lenexa, with claims from both Kansas and Missouri.

Medically reviewed by Adrian P. Jackson, MD, board-certified, fellowship-trained spine surgeon · Updated October 2026

  1. InjuryReport it at work
  2. ReferralAppointment scheduled within 24 hours of carrier contact
  3. First visitWithin 2 weeks
  4. Conservative carePT, injections
  5. Surgery if neededOnly if all conservative care fails
  6. Back to workMMI & full duty

The path, step by step

Open any step for details. Every patient's course is different; this is the typical path for a workers' compensation spine injury at Premier Spine Care.

Injury at work

Step 1

You're hurt on the job, often from lifting, a fall, a vehicle accident, or repetitive strain. Report the injury to your employer right away so a workers' compensation claim can be opened and your care can be authorized.

What usually happens first

Most injured workers are seen first by an occupational medicine or primary care provider. If neck or back symptoms continue, or if there's pain, numbness, or weakness traveling into the arms or legs, a spine specialist referral is the next step.

Referral to Premier Spine Care

Scheduled within 24 hours

Your adjuster, nurse case manager, or treating physician refers you to our office. Once the carrier contacts us, our workers' compensation coordinator, Dana King, schedules your appointment within 24 hours.

Case managers: submit a referral

Your first visit

Within 2 weeks

You're seen by a fellowship-trained, board-certified spine surgeon, typically within two weeks of the referral. We examine you, review your imaging, explain your diagnosis in plain language, and document clear, practical work restrictions.

How to prepare
  • Fill out your new patient forms online before the visit
  • Bring your claim number and adjuster's contact information
  • Bring prior imaging (MRI, CT, X-rays) on disc or a portal link
  • Bring a list of your current medications
Fill out new patient forms online →

Conservative care, coordinated by our office

Most patients improve here

Non-surgical treatment always comes first. We coordinate a plan with your claim and follow your progress at regular visits.

  • Physical therapy
  • Epidural steroid injections
  • Medications
  • Activity modification and work restrictions
Staying at work during treatment

We aim to keep you productive. Restrictions are specific, practical, and clearly documented so your employer can accommodate light duty whenever possible.

Watch: what is a herniated disc? (2½-minute animation)

Did conservative care relieve your symptoms?

Surgery is considered only if all conservative care fails. In certain situations, such as significant nerve or spinal cord compression, it may be recommended sooner.

Yes, I improved

Recovery without surgery

As symptoms settle, restrictions are stepped down until you can safely return to your normal duties. Your care continues until you reach maximum medical improvement.

No, symptoms continue

Recovery & return to work

~3 monthsto MMI and normal duties

Walking is the main therapy at first. Restricted return to work is typically possible between 3 and 6 weeks, full-time work with restrictions from 6 weeks, and release to unrestricted duty at about 12 weeks.

Full ACDF journey →

Maximum medical improvement & back to work

Maximum medical improvement (MMI) means your condition has stabilized and isn't expected to improve further with treatment. You're released back to your normal duties, or any permanent restrictions are documented, and an impairment rating can be provided when the claim requires one.

Common questions

How soon will I be seen?

Your appointment is scheduled within 24 hours of the carrier contacting our office, and new patients are typically seen within two weeks of the referral.

Will I need surgery?

Probably not. Most of our workers' compensation evaluations do not end in surgery. Physical therapy, injections, and other conservative care come first, and surgery is considered only if all conservative care fails.

Will I have to stop working?

Our goal is to keep you working safely. Restrictions are tailored to your condition and your job, and after surgery they're stepped down on a set schedule until you're released to full duty.

What does MMI mean for my claim?

MMI, or maximum medical improvement, is the point where your condition has stabilized. It's when you're released to work and, if your claim requires it, when an impairment rating is provided.

Who do I call with questions?

Call Dana King, our workers' compensation coordinator, at (913) 322-2700, ext. 1, or email dking@premierspinecare.com.

Case managers & adjusters Submit a referral

Appointments are scheduled within 24 hours of your referral.

 New patients Fill out your forms online

Submit them to our office or print them for your visit.