Chiropractic & Work
Today’s society imposes far greater stress in the work environment. Individuals are generally spending longer at work, have their schedule too heavily overloaded, and often long term security in the job may not be there. With chronic exposure to work-related stress, individuals physically and psychologically become worn down. Our spines are not designed to spend extended periods of time sitting at desks, lifting heavy weights, or performing repetitious tasks, all common features of many work environments.
Statistics from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (2005/06) indicate that the most common work-related injuries are due to sprain/strain (30%) and chronic joint or muscle conditions (19%). In addition to this, Lavelle (2005) reports that after headaches and colds, back pain is the third most common reason for taking time off work. These statistics clearly indicate why Chiropractic has such an important role in ensuring people can ‘stay on the job’ so to speak.
Back pain is the third most common reason for taking time off work
Furthermore, lost productivity in the workplace can in many cases be due to spinal problems arising from poor posture, bad ergonomics and extended computer usage. Poor posture can negatively affect the overall health and well-being of an individual. For example, rib cage movement may be compromised, reducing lung capacity, in turn decreasing oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide elimination from the bodily tissues.
Chiropractors are experts in postural analysis and correction, restoring motion into the spine and extremities whilst reducing pressure on the nervous system and allowing the body as a whole to work with greater efficiency. General health and well-being are enhanced, with an increased resistance to disease and disability, thus leading to a happier and more productive work environment.
