Most adults in the United States are employed and some work as much as fifty percent of their waking hours. Employment allows for individuals to provide for their basic need of food, clothing, shelter and can be uplifting for individual’s self-esteem. Employment does not come without risk. Accidents happen.

Work related injuries are a normal part of the employment environment, and in 2007 in the United States its prevalence was 4.2 per 100 full time workers. This number was down from 4.4 in the year prior. Louisiana followed the declining pattern and its rates decreased from 3.0 to 2.9 per 100 full time workers. The vocations with the most injuries in the magnolia state are truck drivers, nursing aides, orderlies, and stock and material movers. Once an employee is injured there are a wide variety of treatment options, and initial treatment depends on the severity of injury.

Any injury that is potentially life threatening should be immediately seen in the emergency room. Less severe injuries can be evaluated and managed by ones family doctor, chiropractor, or physical/occupational therapist, or a combination of these providers. Commonly recommended medical care includes over the counter and prescription pain medications, anti-inflammatory medication, and muscle relaxers.

Chiropractic care is the drug free, non-invasive form of health care that works to restore normal joint motion and alignment to decrease pain and promote healthy bodily function. Your chiropractor may use a wide variety of passive therapy (such as hot/cold packs, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, mechanical traction) and active rehabilitation to restore the injured worker to pre-injury status.

It is always wise to report all injuries to your employer no matter the severity of the accident. Any symptom that persists should be evaluated by a licensed health care provider.