Workers Compensation:
Many people are injured at work. When this happens, a form or report should be filed with either a supervisor or manager. Injuries at work are not covered by your private health insurance but are the sole responsibility of your employers workers compensation carrier. They cover your treatment in full while you regain your health. At this time you can call your Doctor of Chiropractic directly to schedule an appointment. Typical work injuries treated include low back pain, sciatica, neck pain, mid-back pain, disc problems and pain into the arm or hand. Patients have responded well to treatment and are often co-treated with your family doctor for a team approach. Below are some summaries of studies regarding workers compensation injuries, treatment comparisons of different health professionals for compensation injuries and related articles.
Oregon Workmen's Compensation Study, Part I and Part II
Rolland Martin, M.D., Director of the Workmen's Compensation Board examined the forms of alternative treatments provided by a chiropractic physician. Of the 29 claimants treated with chiropractic care, 82% returned to work after one week and no disability claims were filed. Cross-examining similar claims and diagnosed conditions treated by the MD, 41% resumed work after one week. - Roland Martin, M.D., Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, Volume 14; Number 3; March/April 1991 (Part I) and Number 4; May 1991 (Part II).
Distraction Chiropractic Adjusting: Clinical Application and Outcomes of 1,000 Cases
The study was designed to collect outcome information from a pool of 1,000 patients with low back and/or leg pain; patients were from two different studies. Less than 4% required surgery, less than 9% became chronic, the average number of days of treatment was 29 and average number of treatments was 12. Lumbar sprain/strain at the L4 and L5 level had the greatest response to treatment, as did disc injuries in the same region, however over 1/2 of the L4 disc patients required more than 20 treatments before they regained their health. Study provides evidence for the use of chiropractic management and flexion-distraction manipulation in the treatment of various back pain problems. - James M. Cox, D.C., DACBR, "Distraction Chiropractic Adjusting: Clinical Application and Outcomes of 1000 Cases", Top Clin Chiro, 1996; 3(3); 45-59.
The Florida Workmen's Compensation Study
The results of this study found chiropractic more cost-effective in the management of work related back injuries than standard medical care. Chiropractic patients suffered shorter periods of total disability and cost of care was also less.
The Utah Workmen's Compensation Study
The 1991 study found claimants treated by chiropractors returned to work sooner and the costs were much less. An average of 2 lost days compared to 20 days under standard medical care were reported, as well as chiropractic care was 10 times less expensive than standard medical care compensation.
MRI study of Cervical and Lumbar Disc Injuries
Patients with MRI documented and symptomatic cervical and lumbar disc were treated with traction, flexion distraction, spinal manipulation, physiotherapy and exercises. Clinically, 80% had good outcomes and 63% revealed a reduced or completely resorbed disc herniation. Almost 80% were able to return to their regular jobs after care. - Ben Eliyahu, D.J., "Magnetic resonance imaging and clinical follow-up: study of 27 patients receiving chiropractic care for cervical and lumbar disc herniations", Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 1996; Nov-Dec; 19(9): 597-606.