Most Common Occupational Injuries That Chiropractic Helps With

No matter what type of industry you’re in, chances are that if you’ve worked for any extended amount of time, you’ve had an occupational (work-related) injury. Even if you develop sciatica from constantly sitting for your job, that is considered an injury caused by work. In the United States, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) tracks and reports on occupational injuries and illness. According to the latest data compiled, the rate of injury cases increased in 2021, with private industry employers reporting a rate of 2.3 injury cases per 100 full-time employees (FTE), compared to 2.2 cases in 2020.

Chiropractic care is often sought for various occupational injuries and conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system. While chiropractors primarily focus on diagnosing and treating issues related to the spine and nervous system, they can also relieve a range of occupational injuries. 

Some of the most common occupational injuries that chiropractic care may help with include:

1. Neck Pain and Strain: Individuals who work at a desk or computer for extended periods may develop neck pain, which chiropractors can address through adjustments and posture recommendations.
2. Strains and Sprains: Muscular strains and ligament sprains resulting from lifting, twisting, or sudden movements can be treated by chiropractors to aid in pain relief and improved healing.
3. Repetitive Strain Injuries: Repetitive motions, such as those performed in assembly line work, can lead to repetitive strain injuries like tendonitis. Chiropractic care may help manage pain and improve mobility.
4. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Chiropractors may offer relief for wrist and hand pain related to carpal tunnel syndrome, often caused by repetitive movements like typing or using hand tools.
5. Shoulder Pain: Occupations that involve overhead movements, lifting, or carrying heavy objects can lead to shoulder pain and discomfort that chiropractic adjustments may help alleviate.
6. Headaches: Tension headaches and even some types of migraines may benefit from chiropractic care, as misalignments in the neck and spine can contribute to headache triggers.
7. Sciatica: Jobs that require prolonged sitting or heavy lifting can sometimes lead to sciatic nerve pain. Chiropractic adjustments can potentially help reduce the pressure on the sciatic nerve.
8. Lower Back Pain: This is one of the most common reasons people seek chiropractic care, especially if their job involves heavy lifting, prolonged sitting, or repetitive movements. Not only is it the most common, but it is also the most costly for employers and employees. The good news is that chiropractic care can reduce medical costs for lower back pain. A recent report showed that employees who had solely received chiropractic care for low back pain had a 61% reduction in medical costs. 

Regardless of how new or old your injury is, seeking chiropractic care at Frederick Chiropractic Wellness Center can help manage your pain and get you back to feeling better again. We will provide a customized plan of care that involves adjustments as well as ways to improve your well-being at home. Additionally, we can help teach you proper techniques and ergonomics specific to your type of work so that you avoid future injuries.