Chiropractic Care for Workers' Compensation Injuries
Each year in the United States, millions of workers endure occupational injuries. Workers’ Compensation is a system of protections and cares put in place by state governments to assist those employees injured at work including those that contract an occupational disease while working. Workplace injuries range in severity, and some can be fatal.
The most common, non-life-threatening workplace injuries include:
- Falls from heights to lower levels
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Overexertion and lifting/lowering injuries
- Falling objects or debris
- Work-related vehicular accidents
What is workers’ compensation?
In Delaware, employers who have one or more employees are required by law to carry workers’ compensation. Only farmworkers are exempt from the workers’ compensation statute, although their employers may choose to provide coverage.
According to the State of Delaware Department of Labor, workers’ compensation benefits “include medical care, temporary disability payments, and compensation for a resulting permanent impairment.” Typically, if an injured worker dies as a result of their injuries, their benefits are paid to the family of the employee.
What if I get injured at work?
In Delaware, if you experience an injury at work, you should notify your employer immediately in writing of the injury or occupational disease and request that you receive medical services. Be sure to review your employee handbook for any additional steps you may need to take regarding a workplace injury.
If your work injury is severe or complicated, you may want to consult with a workplace compensation or personal injury attorney for guidance.
The State of Delaware’s Workers’ Compensation FAQ page provides additional advice on how to notify your employer and what you’ll need to document your injury and subsequent treatment.
Workplace injuries: What are my rights?
If you become injured at work, it is crucial to know that as the employee, you have the sole right to choose your treating physician(s).
In workers’ compensation cases, all necessary medical treatments and hospitalization stays or services are provided by either the employer’s insurance carrier or the employer.
Work-related injuries and chiropractic treatment
On average, one in three workplace injuries involves musculoskeletal injuries, which affect ligaments, muscles, tendons and even bones. These injuries can occur due to trauma or wear and tear from daily routines. Many people who experience these types of workplace injuries are potentially suitable candidates for chiropractic care.
Benefits of chiropractic care for workers’ compensation injuries
Chiropractic care is a non-invasive form of treatment that helps promote healing.
Doctors of Chiropractic are trained to perform a variety of different techniques including manual manipulation of the spine (i.e., adjustments) as well as massage and electrical stimulation of tissue. Chiropractic care helps reduce tissue inflammation caused by injury, and it also helps reduce pain caused by many workplace injuries.
Chiropractic care is an attractive alternative to the use of narcotic painkillers, which can lead to dependency and abuse. Doctors of chiropractic can suggest therapeutic exercises that may speed the healing process in some cases and also prevent future workplace injuries such as overexertion, by teaching proper lifting techniques.
Additional Evidence-Based Resource
For additional evidence-based information, review NCCIH: Spinal Manipulation.
Related Care and Resources
Learn more about DIH's chiropractic care options and how care is tailored to each patient's needs.
Patients can request an evaluation at our Middletown location.
Related reading: 3 Winter Related Health Problems Helped By Chiropractic Care.
Document the Injury Early
Report a workplace injury according to your employer’s process as soon as reasonably possible. Write down when and how it happened, the tasks involved, symptoms, witnesses, and any immediate care. Requirements and deadlines vary, so employees should obtain accurate guidance about their specific situation rather than relying only on general online advice.
What a Functional Treatment Plan Should Address
Work-injury care should connect treatment to job demands. Relevant goals may include sitting tolerance, lifting capacity, grip strength, reaching, driving, or safely completing repetitive tasks. Providers should document objective findings and update restrictions as function changes.
Returning to Work Safely
Returning to appropriate activity can be part of recovery, but duties may need temporary modification. Clear restrictions should describe what a worker can safely do rather than using vague instructions. Communication among the worker, provider, employer, and claims professionals can reduce confusion and support a gradual return.
When Another Evaluation Is Needed
Prompt medical review is important after significant trauma or when symptoms include progressive weakness, loss of sensation, severe swelling, breathing difficulty, head-injury symptoms, or loss of bowel or bladder control. A provider should refer when the injury requires services outside their scope.
Keep Your Own Recovery Records
Maintain copies of work restrictions, appointment summaries, test results, and communications related to the injury. Track symptoms and the work activities you can and cannot perform. Accurate records help clinicians assess progress and can reduce confusion when multiple people are involved in coordinating care and return-to-work decisions.
Schedule Your Next Step
Learn more about Dr. Ty Harmon or review care available at our Milford office. New patients can request an appointment online, and current patients can use the existing-patient scheduling page.
This article provides general educational information and does not replace an individualized evaluation or medical advice.
Primary Chiropractic Resource
For a broader overview and more related patient guides, visit Answers to Your Top 10 Questions About Chiropractic Care.