How chiropractic can benefit the workplace

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It doesn’t matter what type of work you do, workers are not immured to back or neck pain. It doesn’t matter if you do heavy lifting or sit for prolonged periods of time in front of a computer, they both affect the musculoskeletal system. Musculoskeletal pain affects the most basic movements, and it may become worse over time. Offering workers the access to onsite chiropractic care can help alleviate these type of injuries, ensuring workers stay healthy and productive.

A happy, productive employee is one that is free of pain and healthy. Studies have shown that chiropractic care offers a holistic approach to a number of ailments, from neck and back pain to lowering blood pressure and even headaches. Employees undergoing chiropractic care receive specific instruction on prevention that includes exercise and nutritional guidance for improved overall health. Also, when employee’s see that management clearly makes their health a priority, the employee’s morale and work production improves.

Studies show that there fewer onsite work-related injuries, lower rates of absenteeism due to illness or injury, and reduced medical costs, which all benefit the employer. These reduced medical costs could free up funds to be invested in other areas of the business. When an employer invests in an employee’s health and wellbeing, it creates employees who are more productive and efficient. It also improves overall morale, decreasing turnover and increasing productivity levels.

A study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine in 2012, suggests that onsite chiropractic care reduces employers’ healthcare costs. The study analyzed costs for employees receiving chiropractic care at their place of work versus employees receiving care at a chiropractic office. They discovered that the work site group required fewer chiropractic treatments as well as fewer diagnostic screenings. The study did show that both groups, both onsite and offsite, experienced significant improvements in their neck pain, back pain, and headaches. But, work site patients found these improvements to be faster and at a lower costs to the employer.

Anheuser-Busch performed a similar study of its own onsite chiropractic care program. Results showed that absenteeism dropped by 22 percent while workplace accidents decreased by half! This resulted in a 25 percent reduction in workers’ compensation premiums.

Research shows that there is a tremendous upside for not only the employee, but also the employer when it comes to onsite chiropractic care. How can you go wrong with improved morale, improved health, and improved productivity and less absenteeism? So if you are an employee discuss this with your boss or if you are the employer call to see if this is right for your business.

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Dr. Wayne M. Fichter Jr. is a chiropractor at Natural Spine Solutions. The business is located at 3913 Schreiber Way in Coeur d’Alene, 208-966-4425.