Studies Show Medical Imaging and low-back Pain Boost WC Costs

Though medical imaging has increased dramatically since 2004, the number of workers diagnosed with lower back pain and put on opioids has only kept people out of work, according to a new white paper released by Lockton. Lower back pain is among the most common claims in workers’ compensation, accounting for nearly 25% of all claims over $250,000. The number is only slightly lower when compared to all losses, according to the study. But reasoning would say that enhanced medical imaging and MRIs, which have increased 300% between 1994 and 2004, would make for improved treatments for work...