I have been a busy Echocardiographer for 25 years and have been in pain for 5 years. Five months ago, I turned in my notice to my employer due to severe neck, upper back, and shoulder(right) pain. Not only was I having pain in my neck, upper back and shoulder, but tingling and numbness down my right arm hand, and fingers. I did not voice my TRUE reason for terminating my employment to my supervisor. I was concerned and apprehensive to do so, in case I wanted to use them as a reference for future employment. I was employed at a hospital which was extremely BUSY and UNDER staffed. Most studies were done at the bedside due to time constraints and this, of course, allowed for bad ergonomics. It has been 5 months since I have stopped working and I am still in pain. I have seen a pain management doctor who tried an epidural but, unfortunately, it did not help. I have also received acupuncture and massages. Finally, I made an appointment with a renowned physical therapist in my town. She was very good and did alleviate the numbness and tingling in my arm, hand, and fingers. I received 25 sessions with the therapist which did help, but not to the point I was pain free. Unfortunately, after the 25 sessions were completed, my insurance plan stopped reimbursing for it.
Although, I still continue with my stretching and exercises given to me, I am still experiencing neck, upper back, and right shoulder pain. The pain is debilitating and has affected my quality of life significantly. I am not sure if I will ever be pain free; and, after discussing this with the physical therapist and my doctor, it is going to take a long time.
My question is, where do I go from here? I am not sure if I qualify for long-term disability or if I qualify for Workman’s Comp.