A work injury can affect more than your body. It can make it hard to do your job, keep up at home, and figure out what to do next. If you have been injured at work, the first steps are to report the injury, get evaluated, and start care before the problem settles in. At Anchor Point Chiropractic in Plymouth, MA, we accept workers’ compensation and help people with work injuries find what is causing their pain and get back to the work and life they rely on.
Common Work Injuries We See
Work injuries are not limited to construction sites and warehouses. Desk jobs, healthcare, retail, and driving all come with their own risks. Some injuries happen in a single moment, while others build up slowly over months of the same motions.
Lifting and Back Injuries
Lifting something heavy, or lifting the wrong way, is one of the most common causes of back pain at work. A sudden strain can irritate muscles and joints in the low back. In some cases, it can also lead to a herniated or bulging disc or sciatica that sends pain down the leg.
Neck and Shoulder Strain
Long hours at a computer, looking down at a screen, or reaching overhead can all strain the neck and shoulders. Over time, this can cause stiffness, neck pain, and headaches that make the workday harder.
Repetitive Strain Injuries
Doing the same motion over and over, like typing, scanning items, or using tools, can irritate tendons and nerves. Many people develop tingling or numbness in the arms and hands from repetitive work.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
A fall at work can jar the spine, hips, and shoulders. Even when the fall seems minor, pain and stiffness often show up a day or two later.
What to Do After You Are Injured at Work
The days right after a work injury matter. These steps help protect your health and keep your options open:
- Report the injury to your supervisor or employer as soon as possible, even if it seems small
- Write down what happened, when it happened, and who saw it
- Get evaluated by a healthcare provider so your symptoms are documented
- Follow your care plan and keep track of how you are feeling
- Keep copies of any forms, reports, and receipts related to your injury
Many people wait to see if the pain goes away on its own. The problem is that waiting can make it harder to connect your symptoms to the injury later, and small problems can become bigger ones.
When a Work Injury Needs Emergency Care
Some injuries need medical attention right away. Go to the emergency room or call 911 if you have:
- A possible broken bone or a joint that looks out of place
- A head injury with confusion, vomiting, or loss of consciousness
- Numbness or weakness in the legs, or loss of bladder or bowel control
- Severe pain that is getting worse quickly
Once serious injuries have been ruled out, chiropractic care can be a good next step for many muscle, joint, and spine problems.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help After a Work Injury
Most work injuries involve the muscles, joints, and spine. Chiropractic care focuses on finding where the problem is and helping those areas move and heal properly.
What We Look for During Your Exam
Your first visit starts with questions about how you were injured, what your job involves, and what symptoms you have noticed since. We then check how your spine and joints move, test strength and reflexes, and take pre-care X-rays when needed to see what is going on.
Both Dr. Jeffrey Vitenas and Dr. Jessie Swink review your case. With a work injury, having two doctors involved helps make sure your exam and findings are thorough.
What Care May Include
Your plan is built around your exam findings and the demands of your job. Care may include:
- Chiropractic adjustments, including Gonstead and Thompson Drop Table techniques
- Adjustments to the shoulders, elbows, wrists, or other joints if they are involved
- Intersegmental traction to gently loosen the spine
- Guidance on lifting, posture, and how to ease back into your normal work tasks
Visits usually take 15 to 20 minutes, which makes it easier to keep up with care around your work schedule.
We Accept Workers’ Compensation
If you were hurt on the job, your care may be covered through workers’ compensation. Anchor Point Chiropractic accepts workers’ comp cases, so you can focus on getting better instead of worrying about the bill.
When you call to schedule, let our team know your injury happened at work. Have your employer’s information and any claim number handy if you have one. We will walk you through what we need and how billing works for your care.
We also work with personal injury cases, including car accident injuries. You can learn more about coverage on our insurance and payment page. For questions about your rights or a workers’ compensation claim, your employer’s HR department or the Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents can help.
Getting Back to Work Safely
Going back to work too soon can lead to a setback, but waiting too long can leave you stiff and deconditioned. The goal is a steady return that matches what your body can handle.
As you improve, your doctor will talk with you about which tasks are safe and how to protect yourself as you return to your full workload. Many Plymouth patients in physical jobs find that small changes in how they lift and move make a big difference once they are back on the job.
Work Injury FAQs
Do you accept workers’ compensation?
Yes. Anchor Point Chiropractic accepts workers’ comp cases. Let our team know your injury happened at work when you schedule, and we will explain what information we need.
Should I see a chiropractor after a work injury?
For many muscle, joint, and back injuries, chiropractic care is a good option once serious injuries have been ruled out. An exam helps us decide whether your injury is likely to respond to our care or needs a referral.
What if my pain did not start until days after the injury?
That is very common. Muscles and joints can stiffen up over the next day or two as inflammation builds. Report the injury to your employer as soon as you notice symptoms.
How long will it take to feel better?
It depends on the type of injury, how severe it is, and how soon you start care. Your doctor will give you a realistic timeline after your exam and check your progress along the way.
Get Help for a Work Injury in Plymouth
If a work injury is making it hard to do your job or get through the day, we accept workers’ comp and can help you understand what is going on and what to do next. Contact Anchor Point Chiropractic to schedule your visit.
