Have you ever wondered why your clients need to undergo NCS testing to file a worker’s compensation claim? Does it feel like an extra step that only delays the filing process? While we can understand how it might seem that way, the advantages of NCS testing are numerous–especially when it comes to worker’s comp.
Today, we want to share the story of one of our patients, a man we’ll call Daniel. Daniel was a construction worker who suffered a severe fall on a job site, leading to painful sciatica symptoms in his lower back and left leg. We think this story really illustrates the advantages of NCS testing, showing why it can absolutely be a necessary step in the process.
And if you’d like more information about NCS testing at Integrity Diagnostics Network, call our Snellville, GA clinic to speak to our friendly staff!
How NCS Testing Helped Daniel Understand His Fall
After his one-the-job fall, Daniel was experiencing severe pain. It started in his lower back and then radiated down his leg. He also regularly experienced numbness and tingling in his foot, and his affected leg was noticeably weaker than the others.
Daniel was at a loss. He couldn’t afford to be out of work, but it was also clear to him that this was one injury that wasn’t going away on its own. He knew he needed to file a successful worker’s compensation claim if he had any hope of getting the treatment he needed to successfully resolve his symptoms.
His caseworker agreed, which was why she sent him to Integrity Diagnostics Network for diagnostic testing. An NCS/EMG test would provide tangible data she could incorporate into Daniel’s filing, proving that his injury resulted from his fall. Furthermore, it would help Daniel get the rehabilitation he needed to address his injury.
An NCS (nerve conduction study) measures how quickly signals travel along the nerves. It’s used primarily to assess nerve damage and to determine a potential cause. In Daniel’s case, the results of the test, along with our diagnostic experts’ assessment of his symptoms, confirmed that Daniel had likely developed sciatica due to a herniated disc–which he had developed as a result of his fall on the job.
Another Advantage of NCS Testing: Lasting Relief from Pain
The data gathered during Daniel’s NCS/EMG test helped garner an approval of Daniel’s worker’s compensation claim. However, the test results also let Daniel know that he would benefit most from visiting a physical therapist, who could help manage his symptoms while working to resolve the underlying injury.
With a little hard work, Daniel’s symptoms had largely resolved within a few weeks, and his physical therapist cleared him to return to work with a few simple modifications. She also gave him some workplace tips for avoiding another bad fall in the future.
When Daniel first noticed his symptoms, he feared the worst. But a simple diagnostic test at Integrity Diagnostics Network gave him the tools he needed to take an active role in his recovery, something he would not have been able to do without a worker’s compensation claim.
The next time you see a client struggling with nerve-related symptoms like Daniel’s, refer them to our diagnostic testing center for an EMG/NCS test. We offer fast turnaround on reports (within 24-48 hours), and a team of experts administers all of our tests.
Call us today to learn more about referring your clients to Integrity Diagnostics Network!
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