Do You Have Long-Lasting Back Pain From Driving So Many Hours as a Trucker?

Truck drivers put in long, difficult hours on the road. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for truckers to develop back pain after many years of driving. You can pursue workers’ comp benefits for job-related back pain in Pennsylvania, even if it developed gradually. Here, our Gettysburg workers’ compensation attorney provides an overview of your rights and your options if you developed long-lasting back pain from years of working as a truck driver.

Why Truck Drivers Often Develop Long-Lasting Back Pain

Driving a large commercial truck can take a toll on the body. Truck drivers spend long periods seated in a fixed position. Long-haul truckers often spend ten or more hours a day on the road. The vibration of the cab, repetitive movements during loading, and the constant strain of continuous pressure being placed on the spine can also contribute to back problems. Over months and years, exposure can lead to degenerative disc disease, lumbar strain, sciatica, nerve impingement, and chronic muscular tightness. conditions are among the most common physical complaints reported in the trucking industry.

Workers’ Comp: Long-Term Back Pain and Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSIs) in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law recognizes repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) and cumulative-trauma conditions as valid bases for a claim. In other words, you do not need a single traumatic event to qualify. Under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act (77 P.S. § 411(1)), an injury includes any condition arising in the course of employment, including those caused by repetitive motion or ongoing exposure.

Key Point: For truck drivers in Pennsylvania, long-term back pain often results from years of sustained vibration, constant sitting, awkward postures, and repetitive lifting. If medical evidence demonstrates the condition is work-related, you may have a compensable claim.

Causation is Required: (Can Be Challenging)

Workers must report an injury or work-related illness to their employer within 120 days. For cumulative-trauma conditions such as long-term back pain, the “clock” typically starts when the worker first learns, through medical evaluation, that the condition is related to employment. Early reporting strengthens the claim because it reduces disputes about timing and causation. You should notify your employer in writing when possible and keep a copy of the notice for your records.

Medical Benefits and Wage Loss Benefits for Truck Drivers With Back Problems

If your claim is accepted, you are entitled to medical benefits that cover all reasonable and necessary treatment, including doctor visits, physical therapy, pain management, injections, and surgery if required. Notably, there is no deductible and no copay under Pennsylvania law. If your back condition prevents you from performing your job or reduces your earning capacity, you may qualify for wage-loss benefits. Total disability benefits generally equal two-thirds of your average weekly wage, subject to statewide maximums.

Contact Our Gettysburg Workers’ Comp Lawyer for Truckers Today

At DiLoreto, Cosentino & Bolinger, P.C., our Gettysburg workers’ comp lawyer is committed to helping workers get their benefits. If you are a truck driver with long-lasting back pain, we are here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation. With an office in Gettysburg, we handle truck driver work injury cases throughout the region in Central Pennsylvania.