How Chiropractic Care Can Help with Work-Related Injuries
August 1, 2025
How Chiropractic Care Can Help with Work-Related Injuries
What happens at work doesn't always stay at work. When you're struggling with lingering pain and stiffness from a trip-and-fall, back injury, or a strained neck, your injury may begin to take over your life. Chiropractic care offers the perfect way to regain control. Chiropractors provide treatments that promote healing, improve range of motion, decrease pain, and reduce inflammation, swelling, and stiffness.
Is Chiropractic Care Right for You?
Whether your injury was recent or you've been struggling with pain and stiffness for weeks, chiropractic care offers the ideal solution to work-related injuries. Chiropractic care focuses on the musculoskeletal (muscles and bones) and nervous systems. As many workplace injuries affect these parts of the body, chiropractic care offers an effective natural solution.
Treatments target the source of your pain rather than concentrating solely on your symptoms. If you ignore the source of your pain, your symptoms might flare up again in the future, or you may face long-term complications.
If you're tired of being in pain and are eager to get back to work, chiropractic care offers many benefits, including:
- Safer Pain Relief. Strong prescription pain medications effectively control pain, but may lead to addiction. Chiropractic treatments activate your body's natural pain relief system to control pain without drugs. During treatments, production of serotonin and endorphins, hormones that ease pain, increases. Chiropractic care can reduce opioid use after a spinal injury, according to a research study published in Pain Medicine in 2020. Researchers noted that patients who saw a primary care doctor and a chiropractor were half as likely to fill prescriptions for opioids compared to patients who only received primary care.
- Less Pain. Pain can occur if a subluxation or a tight muscle presses on a nerve as it exits your spinal column. Subluxations happen when the vertebrae in your spine become misaligned. Adjusting the vertebrae with spinal manipulation therapy eases pressure on the nerve, ending pain. Your chiropractor may also use massage to relax tight muscles and tissues.
- Quicker Healing. Injuries that affect the alignment of your spine or cause stiff muscles may take longer to heal. Chiropractic treatments correct these issues, improving healing. Adjustments, massage therapy, ultrasound, and other therapies increase blood flow, making it easier for healing nutrients in your blood to reach the injured area.
- An Effective Treatment Option for Lifting Injuries. Overexertion injuries, including those that involve lifting, pushing, and carrying, were the second most common cause of workplace injuries that resulted in missed days of work, according to the National Safety Council. Chiropractors use a variety of treatments, including adjustments, massage, trigger point therapy, flexion distraction, and electrical stimulation to treat sprains, strains, subluxations, sciatica, herniated discs, and other issues caused by lifting injuries.
- More Flexibility. Have you noticed that your back and neck are stiff, or it's harder to move your arm or leg after your injury? Inflammation, subluxations, muscle tension, muscle spasms, trigger points, and scar tissue can cause stiffness and poor range of motion. Chiropractic treatments improve flexibility and range of motion and decrease stiffness.
- Relief for Repetitive Stress Injuries. Repetitive stress injuries happen when you perform the same action repeatedly. The injuries can damage ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves. Common types of repetitive stress injuries include tendinitis, bursitis, golfer's elbow, tennis elbow, trigger finger, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Chiropractic treatments like massage, myofascial release, adjustments, and trigger point therapy improve movement, break down scar tissue, boost blood flow, and ease pain, swelling, stiffness, numbness, and tingling.
- Better Posture. Subluxations and tight tissues can occur when poor posture stresses your spine. These issues may lead to muscle imbalances that make it harder to prevent a fall when you slip on a freshly washed floor. Unfortunately, subluxations and tight muscles and tissues make it difficult to maintain proper posture. Correcting these issues with chiropractic treatments makes it much easier to avoid slouching. Your chiropractor can also offer posture suggestions and recommend helpful posture-friendly exercises.
Struggling with a work-related injury? Relieve your pain with chiropractic care. Contact our office to schedule an appointment.
Sources:
NCBI: Pain Medicine: Impact of Chiropractic Care on Use of Prescription Opioids in Patients with Spinal Pain, 12/25/2020
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32142140/
National Safety Council: Top Work-Related Injury Causes
https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/work/work-overview/top-work-related-injury-causes/
American Chiropractic Association: Back Pain: Prevention and Conservative Treatment, 8/22/2022
https://handsdownbetter.org/back-pain-prevention-and-conservative-treatment/
WebMD: What to Know About Overexertion, 2/27/2024
https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/what-to-know-about-overexertion
How Chiropractic Care Can Help with Work-Related Injuries What happens at work doesn't always stay at work. When you're struggling with lingering pain and stiffness from a trip-and-fall, back injury, or a strained neck, your injury may begin to take over your life. Chiropractic care offers the perfect way to regain control. Chiropractors provide treatments that promote healing, improve range of motion, decrease pain, and reduce inflammation, swelling, and stiffness.
When Should You See a Chiropractor? Whether you have an aching back, migraines, muscle spasms, or another painful condition, chiropractic care offers an effective natural solution. Not sure if your symptoms warrant a visit to the chiropractic office? Pick up the phone if you experience any of these complaints or concerns:
How Your Chiropractor Can Help with Headaches After a Car Accident Even minor car accidents can cause aches and pains that last for weeks. Headaches are particularly common following an accident and may range from mild to severe. If you're struggling with headaches, chiropractic treatment offers effective, natural relief for your pain. Why Do I Have a Headache? Post-accident headaches can be caused by strained muscles in your neck, a concussion, or whiplash. Whiplash happens when your neck rapidly jerks back and forth or side to side during a crash. The sudden force can strain your muscles, irritate your nerves, damage ligaments that connect the vertebrae in your spine together, and trigger subluxations. Subluxations occur when the vertebrae become misaligned. Symptoms of whiplash include: Headaches Stiff Neck Neck, Shoulder, and Upper Back Pain Dizziness Ringing in the Ears Trouble Moving Your Neck Normally Tingling or Numbness Fatigue Blurry Vision Difficulty Sleeping or Concentrating Irritability Your headaches may be worsened by stress or poor posture. Have you had more frequent migraines since your car accident? Injuries to your spine and body's soft tissues can trigger migraines. Reducing Headache Pain through Chiropractic Care Chiropractors treat issues that affect the musculoskeletal system (bones, muscles, joints, and soft tissues) through the use of non-invasive and drug-free treatments. Many of these treatments are effective for headaches and whiplash. Chiropractic care offers these benefits: Less Pressure. Subluxations in the neck irritate nerves and tissues, causing pain and headaches. Chiropractors restore normal alignment with spinal manipulation. Spinal adjustments involve quick, precise movements that move vertebrae back into their normal position. In addition to relieving pressure, adjustments promote healing. Reduced Muscle Tension. Tight muscles pull on the spine and press on nerves, causing pain and headaches. Chiropractors use massage, soft tissue therapy, and trigger point therapy to reduce muscle tension, spasms, and knots. Massage also works to improve circulation throughout the body, including to the head and neck. Natural Relief of Inflammation. Inflammation in your neck and back may be a contributing factor to post-accident headaches. Although inflammation is the body's natural response to an injury, chronic inflammation may irritate the nerves, cause pain, or lead to stiffness. Spinal manipulation, massage, hot and cold therapy, ultrasound therapy, and other therapies relieve inflammation and pain naturally, allowing healing to occur. Improved Mobility. Attempting to turn or move your stiff neck may only worsen your headache. Spinal manipulation reduces muscle tension and improves spinal alignment, making it easier to move your neck without pain. Scar Tissue Prevention. Scar tissue increases stiffness, limits neck mobility, and may be a factor in your headaches. Massage, soft tissue mobilization and trigger point therapy break apart scar tissue, easing your pain. Better Posture. Stiffness and pain can lead to posture changes after a car accident. Unfortunately, poor posture may strain muscles and tissues, worsening pain. Chiropractic care improves posture by realigning your spine and reducing muscle tension. A Natural Option. Pain medication eases headache pain, but the results are short-lived. If the source of your pain isn't identified and corrected, symptoms will return a few hours after the pain medication wears off. Chiropractic care offers long-lasting relief of post-accident headaches by targeting the source of your pain. A case report published in the Journal of Contemporary Chiropractic in 2020 examined the benefits of chiropractic treatment for post-accident headaches. The case report discussed the results of treatment for a 15-year-old boy suffering from headaches and dizziness after a car accident. The boy received spinal manipulation and soft-tissue therapy for eight weeks and noticed an improvement in his symptoms after just four weeks of treatment. Struggling with headaches after a car accident? Ease your pain with chiropractic care! Contact our office to schedule an appointment. Sources: Journal of Contemporary Chiropractic: The Impact of Chiropractic Management on a 15-Year-Old Male Diagnosed with Post-Concussion Syndrome and Whiplash: A Case Report, 7/27/2020 https://journal.parker.edu/article/78084-the-impact-of-chiropractic-management-on-a-15-year-old-male-diagnosed-with-post-concussion-syndrome-and-whiplash-a-case-report Mayo Clinic: Whiplash, 2/17/2024 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/whiplash/symptoms-causes/syc-20378921 American Chiropractic Association: Headaches https://www.acatoday.org/patients/headaches-and-chiropractic/ NCBI: National Library of Medicine: Cervical Sprain, 8/14/2023 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541016/
Does Chiropractic Care Help with Damaged Discs? Do you have back pain due to a problem with your discs? Chiropractic care could relieve your symptoms and may even help you avoid surgery. The Important Role of Spinal Discs Discs cushion the spaces between each of the vertebrae in your spine and prevent these small bones from rubbing together when you move. The gel-like core of each disc is covered by a tough protective outer layer. Discs act as shock absorbers and are essential for pain-free movement when you bend, walk, or jump. Unfortunately, discs can become damaged due to aging, injuries, or degenerative diseases. Types of disc damage include: Herniated Discs. A herniated disc happens when the soft inner core of the disc protrudes (herniates) through a tear in the outer covering. The herniated part of the disc presses on nerves, causing pain, numbness, and weakness. Herniated discs may also inflame the nerve root. Bulging Discs. Part of the disc protrudes, but the inner core remains safely inside the outer covering if you have a bulging disc. Bulging discs cause the same symptoms as herniated discs, although symptoms tend to be less severe. Degenerative Disc Disease. Wear and tear affects your entire body as you age, including your spinal discs. Over time, discs become thinner and lose some of their cushioning ability. They also become drier, increasing the risk for cracks in the outer covering. Degenerative disc disease can affect all the discs in your back, including both those in your neck and back. Pain, tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness can occur as the discs become damaged due to wear and tear. How Chiropractors Treat Damaged Discs Chiropractors use several treatment methods for damaged discs, including: Adjustments. Also called spinal manipulation, adjustments keep your vertebrae properly aligned. Adjustments reduce pressure on nerves and decrease inflammation responsible for pain. Your chiropractor performs adjustments by using quick, forceful movements with the hands or handheld activator. A cohort research study published in BMJ Open in 2022 noted that spinal manipulation significantly reduced the need for surgery for adults with herniated discs and/or lumbosacral radiculopathy (compressed nerve roots). Flexion-Distraction Therapy. Flexion-Distraction therapy gently stretches the spine and increases the space between the vertebrae, allowing bulging or herniated discs to return to their normal positions. This therapy, performed on a special moving table, improves blood flow, helping oxygen and nutrients reach damaged areas. Spinal Decompression Therapy. This therapy uses traction to stretch the spine and creates negative pressure that pulls the disc back into place. A motorized table separates the vertebrae surrounding a damaged disc, which not only relieves pressure, but may help improve the amount of fluid in the disc. The therapy can reduce the size of disc herniation, according to a case series published in the Journal of Chiropractic in 2024. A herniated disc decreased in size by 29.5% in one case study in the series. A 36-year-old woman received spinal decompression and spinal manipulation therapies, low-light light therapy and electrical muscle stimulation during her treatment. After two months, she reported a 90% improvement in her symptoms and was pain-free at three months. Massage. Massage gently stretches tight muscles and relieves painful muscle spasms. The therapy also reduces inflammation, boosts flood flow, and triggers the release of natural, pain-relieving hormones, like endorphins and serotonin. Pelvic Blocking. This simple treatment involves placing wedges under your pelvis to support and realign the sacroiliac (SI) joints. These joints connect the lower part of your back to your pelvis. Pelvic blocking reduces inflammation and eases pressure on discs, nerves, and muscles. Cold Laser Therapy. Cold laser therapy, also called low-level light therapy, may reduce pain and numbness, improve flexibility, and promote healing. Exercises. Your chiropractor can show you a few exercises designed to stabilize your spine, improve your posture, and increase your range of motion. Exercises also help you strengthen the muscles that support your spine. Surgery isn't the only option for damaged discs. Chiropractic care offers a natural approach to healing and pain management. Ready to find out if chiropractic treatment could help you? Contact our office. Sources: Mayo Clinic: Bulging Disk vs. Herniated Disk: What's the Difference, 3/12/2024 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/herniated-disk/expert-answers/bulging-disk/faq-20058428 BMJ Open: Association Between Chiropractic Spinal Manipulation and Lumbar Discectomy in Adults with Lumbar Disc Herniation and Radiculopathy: Retrospective Cohort Study Using United States’ Data, 12/16/2022 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9764600/ Journal of Chiropractic: Reduction of the Size of a Lumbar Disc Herniation Using Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Combined with Chiropractic Care, 9/26/2024 https://journal.parker.edu/article/123984-reduction-of-the-size-of-a-lumbar-disc-herniation-using-non-surgical-spinal-decompression-combined-with-chiropractic-care Cleveland Clinic: Degenerative Disk Disease, 2/4/2025 https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16912-degenerative-disk-disease MedlinePlus: Herniated Disk, 8/7/2024 https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000442.htm
Can Chiropractic Care Help Vertigo and Dizziness? Feeling frustrated by vertigo and dizziness? Chiropractic care may offer the help you need to keep these unpleasant sensations under control. What Causes Vertigo and Dizziness? Dizziness is the term used to describe feeling lightheaded or unsteady. Vertigo is a type of dizziness that makes it seem as if the room is spinning. Severe vertigo can lead to headaches, nausea, and vomiting and make it difficult to keep your balance. Dizziness and vertigo are common complaints. About 20% of Americans suffer from these symptoms at least occasionally, according to a cohort study published in Laryngoscope Investigative Ophthalmology in 2023 Causes of vertigo and dizziness include: Cervical Spine Issues. Dizziness and vertigo may happen if the vertebrae in your cervical spine (neck) are misaligned. Misalignments, or subluxations, can press on nerves, causing negative symptoms. Subluxations may be caused by falls, repetitive stress, strain, whiplash, arthritis, and poor posture. Inner Ear Disorders . Several inner ear conditions can disrupt balance and cause dizziness and vertigo, including vestibular neuritis, Meniere's disease, and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Neurological Issues. You may be more likely to experience vertigo and dizziness if you have a neurological condition, like migraines, multiple sclerosis, or stroke. Did vertigo and dizziness start after a concussion? Your symptoms may be due to trauma to the brain. Other Causes. Dizziness and vertigo may also be caused by stress, low blood pressure, medication side effects, ear infections, dehydration, or atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). How Your Chiropractor Treats Vertigo and Dizziness Depending on the cause of your symptoms, your treatment plan may include: Spinal Manipulation. Commonly called an "adjustment," spinal manipulation realigns the vertebrae in your neck and back. Your chiropractor uses hands-on pressure or a small instrument to move the vertebrae back into alignment. Once your spine is properly aligned, pressure on nerves decreases, easing symptoms. Soft Tissue Treatments. Although your spine will be realigned after an adjustment, muscles and soft tissues may remain tight. Massage, myofascial release, soft tissue mobilization, and other treatments relax tight muscles and ease pain. Both spinal manipulation and soft tissue treatments reduce inflammation and improve blood flow. Increasing blood flow to the ears and brain may improve balance and prevent dizziness and vertigo in the future. Epley Maneuver. Chiropractors use the Epley maneuver to treat vertigo and dizziness caused by BPPV. BPPV happens when calcium crystals in the ear needed for balance move out of place. The Epley maneuver involves a specific series of head and body movements that restore the crystals to their normal position. Exercise and Advice. Your chiropractor may show you a few exercises that improve balance and strengthen the muscles in your neck. When your muscles are strong, it's easier to maintain good posture and avoid subluxations. Is Chiropractic Treatment Effective for Vertigo and Dizziness? Several research studies and case reports have demonstrated the benefits of chiropractic care for vertigo and dizziness. In a case report published in the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research in 2022, researchers discussed the effects of chiropractic treatments on a 49-year-old woman suffering from neck pain and dizziness after falling off a harness. Adjustments improved dizziness, pain symptoms, and range of movement in the woman's neck. An analysis of National Health Survey results published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine in 2015 showed that patients suffering from dizziness found chiropractic care to be helpful. According to the analysis, patients who saw a chiropractor were very likely to report that the treatments helped. Chiropractic care offers an effective, natural solution to treating vertigo and dizziness. If you're struggling with these symptoms, contact our office to schedule an appointment with the chiropractor. Sources: Wiley: Laryngoscope Investigative Ophthalmology: Vertigo and Its Burden of Disease - Results from a Population-Based Cohort Study, 10/23/2023 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/lio2.1169 American Medical Association: What Doctors Wish Patients Knew About Vertigo, 3/15/2024 https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-vertigo# Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research: Resolution of Cervicogenic Dizziness and Upper Cervical Pain in a 49-Year-Old Female Receiving Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic Care: A Case Report, 6/6/2022 https://vertebralsubluxationresearch.com/2022/03/12/1822-resolution-of-cervicogenic-dizziness-and-upper-cervical-pain-in-a-49-year-old-female-receiving-atlas-orthogonal-chiropractic-care-a-case-report/ Sage Journals: Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine: The Role of Chiropractic Care in the Treatment of Dizziness or Balance Disorders: Analysis of National Health Interview Survey Data, 9/11/2015 https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2156587215604974 Journal of Chiropractic Medicine: Chiropractic Spinal Manipulative Treatment of Cervicogenic Dizziness Using Gonstead Method: A Case Study, 9/10/2011 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3259942/
