According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than one million workers suffer back injuries each year. Back injuries account for one out of every five workplace injuries. In addition to back injuries, there are plenty of other work related injuries that require treatment that may respond best to chiropractic care, including:  stress, improper lifting or carrying, falls, or other trauma.

It is estimated that 85% of the population will, at one time in their lives, experience disabling lower back pain. However, the standard medical approach to back pain often prescribes muscle relaxers, pain killers, and bed rest, occasionally accompanied by traction, ultrasound, hot or cold packs, and other procedures. If these measures fail, surgery may even be recommended.

Chiropractic treatment is a blessing to millions with back problems. However, more than a treatment for a back problem, the chiropractor's goal is to make the spine healthier by correcting any vertebral subluxation and relieving spinal nerve damage.

Many studies have proven that chiropractic care helped workers return to work more quickly and with less expense than other methods of care. In one study, conducted over a period of 23 years in various parts of the U.S. showed:

  • 47.9% of those treated by chiropractors in California reported no time lost from work, while only 21% of those treated by medical doctors reported no lost time.
  • In Florida, those treated by chiropractors reported an average of three days of lost work, opposed to nine days for those receiving traditional medical treatment.
  • 82% of those treated by chiropractics in Oregon returned to work after one week. Only 41% receiving standard medical treatment returned to work in the same period.

The evidence is clear. Chiropractic has an outstanding record with work injuries that involve strains and sprains in the back, neck, or shoulder areas. If you are injured on the job, or are suffering from an injury that may be preventing you from performing to your highest ability, contact us today to set up an appointment.



The best way to prevent back injuries is to practice "back healthy" habits. Here are a few preventative tips:

  • Avoid bending and lifting whenever possible. Don't place object on the floor, but rather on a table or elevated surface so that you don't have to reach down to pick it up.
  • Raise or lower shelves. The safety zone for lifing is between your shoulders and waist. Put heavier objects on shelves at waist level and lighter objects on higher or lower shelves.
  • Use dollies or carts to move objects. Don't carry them. Also, it's easier on your back to push the cart rather than pull it.


USE PROPER LIFTING PROCEDURES

When you can't avoid heavy lifting, you can reduce the pressure on your back by lifting properly. If you'll bend your knees, you will keep your spine in a better alignment. Instead of using your back like a crane you will allow your legs to do the work. Here's how to lift properly:

  1. Take a balanced stance with your feet about shoulder width apart.
  2. Squat down to lift the object, but keep your heels off the floor. Get as close to the object as you can. Keep your lower back bowed in.
  3. Use your palms to get a secure grip on the load. Make sure you'll be able to hold the object without needing to switch your grip.
  4. Without jerking, lift gradually using your legs, abdominal, and buttock muscles. Keep the load as close to you as possible. Keep your chin tucked in so that your back and neck line is kept relatively straight.
  5. Once standing, change directions by pointing your feet and turning your whole body (avoid twisting at the waist).
  6. Put your load down by bending your knees, keeping your lower back bowed in.