Workplace Injuries: How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Workplace injuries are a common occurrence. In fact, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), there are more than 2 million workers in the United States who suffer from job-related injuries each year. Many of these injuries can be effectively addressed through chiropractic care. Chiropractors are experts in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal problems, which is why they are so beneficial for workplace injuries. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common types of workplace injuries and how chiropractic care can help treat them.

At Kennedy Chiropractic Center, experienced Wauwatosa Chiropractor Dr. Corinne Kennedy has helped many local individuals overcome workplace injuries. Using a holistic approach to overall health, Dr. Kennedy’s treatment strategies help people lead healthier lives. If you’ve experienced a workplace injury or just aren’t feeling your best, chiropractic may be able to help. Contact the Kennedy Chiropractic Center today.

Types of Workplace Injuries & How Chiropractic Can Help

There are many types of workplace injuries. The type you are at risk for depends on the type of work you do. Many workers today spend the majority of their time sitting at a computer. This may seem like a safe activity, but sitting all day — particularly with poor posture — can put you at risk for serious injury. Below we list some of the most common injuries we see at Kennedy Chiropractic Center and how we approach treatment.

Pinched Nerve. A pinched nerve is when a nerve in the body is compressed or squeezed by the muscles, joints, or bones surrounding it. This can happen due to poor posture, repetitive motions, or sitting in one position at a desk for too long. Symptoms of a pinched nerve include pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness. Chiropractic care can help by using spinal adjustment and targeted movement exercises to reduce the pressure on the nerve and restore normal alignment.

Tendonitis. Tendonitis is the inflammation of a tendon, which is the tissue that connects muscle to bone. It can be caused by repetitive motions, overuse, or direct trauma to the area — all of which can happen as a result of workplace injury. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, swelling, and weakness. Chiropractic strategies for treating tendonitis will focus on reducing inflammation and improving the patient’s range of motion.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a compression of the nerve that runs between the forearm and the hand. This can happen due to repetitive motions of the wrist and hands (such as typing, sewing, or other repetitive fine motor skills) or direct trauma to the area. Symptoms include tingling, pain, and numbness in the area. Chiropractic care for carpal tunnel syndrome includes targeted hand and wrist exercises and stretches, as well as spinal manipulation to improve nerve function throughout the body.

Back Pain. Back pain is one of the most common types of workplace injuries. It can be caused by poor posture, lifting heavy objects, or sitting in one position for too long. Symptoms include pain at various locations in the back, arms, legs, neck, and shoulders; stiffness; and muscle spasms. Chiropractic care for back pain includes targeted exercises and stretches to improve flexibility and range of motion, as well as spinal adjustment to reduce pressure on the nervous system and reduce inflammation.

Neck Pain. Neck pain is another common type of workplace injury. It is most often caused by poor posture or sitting in one position for too long, but can also be caused by whiplash or direct trauma to the area. Symptoms are similar to back pain but occur in the neck, shoulders, and arms. Chiropractic care for neck pain focuses on the affected area, but also works to reduce pressure on the entire spinal column and down the arms.

Headaches. Headaches can be caused by a number of factors, including poor posture, muscle tension, stress, and dehydration. Headaches are a very common result of workplace stress and injury. Symptoms include pain in the head, neck, and shoulders; stiffness; and sensitivity to light and sound. Chiropractic care for headaches usually takes a holistic approach, with the chiropractor applying physical treatment combined with lifestyle changes to reduce overall stress, improve nervous system functioning, and enhance wellbeing.

At Kennedy Chiropractic Center, we care deeply about our patients. We know work is a part of life, but it shouldn’t cause you pain and suffering. If you’ve experienced one of the workplace injuries above and are ready to feel like your best self again, contact us. We are the preferred chiropractor in Wauwatosa for treating workplace injuries, back and neck pain, and more.