Each year, approximately 3.3 million individuals in the United States alone are injured on the job. A work injury can take a tremendous toll on a person’s body, but not only can these be physically debilitating and impairing, they can ultimately prevent workers from actively engaging in both their personal and professional lifestyles. The topic of a work injury treated by chiropractic has shown to be a controversial issue that has brought great options to patients in need of care treatment options.

While several types of work injuries occur after an individual has been involved in a traumatic accident on the job, most work injuries are primarily caused by repetitive overuse and constant overexertion of specific areas of the body.

Seeking immediate medical attention after experiencing a work injury can help improve the individual’s chances for a successful recovery. For those who choose to wait or delay their treatment, the risk of further pain, discomfort and injury is much greater than those who receive healthcare as soon as possible. Fortunately, alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care and physical therapy are available and evidence has shown the effective, long lasting relief these conservative treatments offer for people after a work injury.

Numerous work injuries are diagnosed depending on the individual’s occupation, however, there are several common types of work injuries and symptoms which can frequently develop across the wide variety of jobs, including back and neck injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome and headaches.

Neck And Back Injuries

Employees in industrial or construction work settings place significant strain on their spines on a daily basis, therefore, it’s no wonder why spinal complications, most specifically around the neck and back regions, are some of the most common occupational injuries chiropractors and other healthcare professionals treat. However, industrial workers that experience a work injury aren’t the only individuals who are vulnerable to suffer from neck and back injuries. Office employees and service workers may also develop spine complications as a result of improper ergonomics, poor posture, and/or overuse and overexertion.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

During long hours of typing on a computer keyboard or working on an assembly line for extended periods of time, the constant and repetitive use of the wrist is required to work quickly and efficiently. The consistent flexing of the wrist over a prolonged work day can place harmful amounts of pressure and stress on the median nerve which runs through the wrist and forearm. After years of working using these repetitive motions, many employees often develop carpal tunnel syndrome due to the compression of the median nerve.

Headache After A Work Injury

Headaches are a common symptom after a work injury, often caused by a variety of factors including stress, poor posture, muscle tension and overexertion. Some individuals with neck injuries frequently develop cervicogenic headaches when the nerves located in the cervical spine become irritated.

A broad number of studies have demonstrated the efficiency of chiropractic care, trigger point therapy and physical therapy for relieving neck and back pain symptoms related to spinal complications as well as easing the pain and discomfort of other work-related injuries. Chiropractic treatment utilizes spinal adjustments and manual manipulations to carefully correct any spinal misalignments which may have occurred while on the job, gradually helping to reduce the pain and inflammation on the surrounding tissues of the spine to restore the original flexibility and mobility of the spine and its surrounding structures, allowing the body to heal itself naturally. Furthermore, a chiropractor may recommend a series of stretches and/or exercises to speed up the rehabilitation process as well as help reduce and prevent further complications.

In addition, chiropractic care has been demonstrated to be a cost-effective treatment option, assisting many individuals who’ve been injured at work while helping cut their medical costs and ensuring they heal naturally without the need of prescription medications and their side-effects.

By Dr. Alex Jimenez

For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .

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