Here are some things to know if you suffer from a work-related injury or are concerned about working in an injury-prone environment:

1) Chiropractic care continues to be one of the top treatment options for work-related injuries. Lower back pain and repetitive stress injuries, including carpal tunnel syndrome, are just two of the more common work-related conditions we treat on a regular basis.

Some of the advantages of chiropractic care include:

• Use of noninvasive treatments to solve problems rather than medications to mask them (sometimes medications that mask pain can affect job performance)
• Goal of restoring total health rather than correcting a narrowly-focused problem
• Treatments that are gentle and soothing, yet effective

2) On-site chiropractic care can reduce risk of injury to an entire office. If you work in an environment where acute injuries are more likely, your workplace might benefit significantly from available on-site chiropractic care. Even in office environments, the risk of some chronic conditions can be elevated.

Fostering an atmosphere where employees have regular contact with health and wellness experts can save health care costs and lost time due to diagnosis and treatment. Our staff is happy to talk about ways we have made employees more healthy and workplaces more productive.

3) Almost every occupation has its job-specific risks – knowing how to prevent injuries in your situation can be lifesaving information. It’s not just the heavy-lifting jobs that can cause problems. Desk jobs often involve greater risk of carpal tunnel syndrome and posture-related disorders. Even moms carrying their children around can cause changes in the body’s support and structure over time.

Many work related injuries can be avoided simply by practicing a few simple rules on the job – a consultation with one of our doctors can help you know what those are for your situation. Regular maintenance visits can give you an even greater advantage, both short- and long-term.

Here are a few general tips that can help you stay comfortable and injury-free on the job:

• Remember the importance of ergonomics. Make sure your chair and workstation are set up in a way that minimizes any unnecessary pressure or demands on your body.
• Use the proper form when lifting heavy boxes or other objects – be sure you are bending your legs, not your back, when lifting.
• Keep your work area neat and organized.
• Take breaks if you tend to stay in the same position for long stretches of time – stretch your head, neck, and legs within a comfortable range of motion.