What is Workers' Comp and how does Chiropractic Care Fit In?

What is Workers' Comp and how does Chiropractic Care Fit In? 

If you are an employee who has suffered a work-related injury, you likely long to get back to work and regain productivity as soon as possible. Perhaps, however, you are nervous about the potential risks of surgery or other long-term medication? You may also wonder what your options are in terms of chiropractic care. Let’s answer some common questions regarding chiropractic care and medical treatment for work injuries.

What is Workers’ Compensation? 

Workers’ compensation insurance works as a sort of disability insurance for workers who have sustained an injury or illness, either on the job or as a direct result of their job. State governments and employers both view workers’ compensation as part of the cost of doing business. 

Imagine you are a groundskeeper and, while working, you slip and fall on an icy walkway. You break your elbow, which prevents you from working for several weeks. Under workers’ compensation, you would be entitled to both monetary benefits to replace some lost wages and health care benefits for treatment of your injury.

If you’re a business owner, workers’ compensation is an essential protection to have both for your employees and yourself.

What is Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractic care is a non-surgical treatment of musculoskeletal injuries and disorders, primarily focusing on the spine and nervous system. It has become a vital treatment option for individuals who sustain work-related injuries. 

What are Some Common Work-Related Injuries Treated with Chiropractic Care?

• Back and Neck Pain: Strains, sprains, and misalignments from lifting, repetitive motions, or prolonged sitting.

• Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs): Carpal tunnel syndrome or tendinitis from repetitive movements.

• Sciatica: Sciatica is caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, which can occur due to activities involving heavy lifting or prolonged sitting. 

• Joint Pain: Shoulder, knee, or hip discomfort from physical labor or accidents.

• Herniated Discs: Resulting from improper lifting techniques or traumatic injuries.

• Soft Tissue Injuries: Muscle strains or ligament sprains from slips, trips, or falls.

Chiropractic care addresses these injuries through spinal adjustments, soft tissue manipulation, therapeutic exercises, and lifestyle recommendations.

Is Chiropractic Care included in Workers’ Compensation Benefits? 

Workers’ compensation laws vary by state but generally require employers to cover medical treatment for workplace injuries. Chiropractic care often falls under this coverage, provided it is deemed medically necessary and authorized by the workers’ compensation insurance carrier.

What are the Benefits of Chiropractic Care?

There are many benefits to chiropractic care for both workers and employers. The non-invasive nature of chiropractic care is one of the most significant benefits. Chiropractic care avoids the often-significant risks of surgery and the side effects of medication. Chiropractic adjustments address the root cause of pain instead of only treating symptoms, which often expedites healing. When pain is effectively reduced, mobility improves, function restored, and workers can become productive again. This approach also allows for more comprehensive healing, reducing the likelihood of chronic issues and promoting long-term wellness. Chiropractic care is also almost always a less expensive option when compared to surgeries and long-term medication. This will reduce the overall workers’ compensation claim costs.

Tips for Injured Workers Seeking Chiropractic Care

If you are an employee would like to seek chiropractic care for a work-related injury, here are some tips to follow: 

1. Report: Timely reporting helps establish a clear connection between the injury and work.

2. Research: Workers should familiarize themselves with their state’s workers’ compensation laws and their right to chiropractic care.

3. Records: Keep detailed records of all treatments, appointments, and communications with the insurer.

4. Refine your search: Look for a chiropractor with expertise in workers’ compensation documentation and procedures. At Legacy Chiropractic, we understand the complexities of the workers’ compensation system and are here to help. We can walk you through the process, helping you or your employee through the issues surrounding a work-related injury. With a personalized treatment plan, we’ll work to get you back on your feet—and back to work—as quickly as possible.