FAQs Back Injuries

Yes. Accident Compensation Corporation may cover a back injury if it was caused by:

• A specific accident or event, or

• A work-related gradual process injury

Cover depends on how the injury occurred and the evidence provided.

Common back-related injuries include:

• Disc injuries (bulges, herniations)

• Muscle or ligament strains

• Spinal injuries

• Nerve involvement (such as sciatica)

ACC can still provide cover if the accident caused a new injury or made an existing condition worse. The key issue is whether the accident contributed to your current symptoms.

Not always. Many back injury claims are accepted based on clinical assessment alone. Imaging may be helpful, but it is not required in every case.

Yes. If your back injury prevents you from working, ACC may provide income-related payments, subject to eligibility and medical evidence.

ACC may contribute to:

• GP visits

• Physiotherapy

• Imaging and specialist assessments

• Pain management

• Rehabilitation support

The level of cover depends on your claim and treatment pathway.

This is common. You can ask ACC to reconsider decisions about treatment, support, or entitlements — and you may be able to request a review if you disagree.

Sometimes. A lump sum may be available if the back injury results in permanent impairment that meets ACC’s assessment threshold.

Declines often happen when ACC considers the injury to be:

• Degenerative or age-related, or

• Not clearly linked to a specific accident or work process

A decline does not always mean the decision is correct.

Yes. An ACC advocate can help explain decisions, gather evidence, and support you through reviews or disputes. Advocates work for you — not ACC.