A work-related back or neck injury can have a significant impact on your ability to work, your income, and your quality of life. Harbour Spine Surgeons provides specialist assessment and treatment for patients with work-related spinal injuries. With consulting rooms across Sydney and referrals accepted from throughout NSW, the ACT, and interstate, we are committed to delivering timely care, clear communication, and supporting a safe and sustainable return to work.

Our Commitment

We understand the practical and financial pressure that follows a workplace spinal injury, as well asthe importance of timely, well-documented specialist care within workers compensation scheme. Our surgeons assess and manage work-related injuries affecting the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine, providing clear,  evidence-based advice on both conservative and surgical treatment options.  Within our team we have surgeons who accept compensable patients, including workers compensation (icare / SIRA). With five fellowship-trained orthopaedic spine surgeons consulting across multiple Sydney locations, we are often able to offer prompt appointments, including expedited access where clinically appropriate, helping patients receive timely assessment and management.

How we can help

Our surgeons assess and manage a broad range of work-related spinal conditions, including:

• Work-related neck and back pain, including whiplash and lifting injuries
• Spinal degeneration, including lumbar disc herniation and sciatica
• Radiculopathy and nerve compression, including spinal stenosis
• Spinal trauma and fractures sustained at work
• Osteoporotic and age-related spine conditions aggravated by work
• Post-surgical and complex spine conditions

Workers Compensation : How It Works

Most workplace spinal injuries are initially managed by your GP or nominated treating doctor, who can issue a Certificate of Capacity and refer you to a specialist where appropriate. Your workers compensation claim is managed by your employer’s insurer (either an icare scheme agent or a self-insurer), with oversight from the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA), which is responsible for regulating the NSW workers compensation system. 

At Harbour Spine Surgeons, we work closely with GPs, case managers, rehabilitation providers, employers, and insurers to support timely assessment and treatment, helping to minimise delays and keep your care progressing.

Where required, our surgeons provide specialist reports and assessments to assist with diagnosis, treatment planning, and decision-making within the workers compensation scheme. We also provide clear recommendations regarding both conservative and surgical management, with the aim of supporting recovery, improving function, and facilitating a safe and sustainable return to work.

Supporting Referrers

We value close, well-coordianted collaboration with everyone involved in a worker’s recovery, and strive to make the referral, assessment and approval as seamless as possible. We work closely with:

• General Practitioners and nominated treating doctors
• Physiotherapists and allied health practitioners
• Workers compensation case managers and insurers (icare / SIRA scheme agents)
• Rehabilitation and return-to-work providers
• Employers and workplace rehabilitation coordinators

 We aim to make the referral process as smooth and supportive as possible and welcome referrals, case discussions, and clinical enquiries. Our team is always happy to collaborate with referring health professionals to facilitate timely assessment and the best possible outcomes for patients. 

Additional support we provide

Harbour Spine Surgeons also offers

• Educational events for health professionals
• Clinical case discussion and support
• A dedicated health professional Support Line for clinicians seeking advice during business hours.