HR Solutions: Chiropractic care reduces workers' compensation costs

Carpal tunnel, repetitive motion, and neck, shoulder and lower-back injuries constitute some of the greatest employer expenses in the workers' compensation arena. If improperly managed, companies find themselves losing the battle regarding lost work days, soaring medical costs and the length of time it takes for employees to return to regular job assignments following light-duty restrictions. A proven, underutilized, cost-effective solution is chiropractic services.

California conducted an industrial back-injury study pertaining to the utilization of chiropractic care by businesses for workers. The research found in 48 percent of the cases, associates did not lose any work time, and when lost time did occur, the average was only 16 days of work.

Florida also performed a review of workers' compensation claims. Total cost of chiropractic care was found to be 84 percent lower, the average cost 57 percent lower and the period of disability 49 percent shorter on average. An inspection of workers' compensation cases in Oregon reflected that 82 percent of team members treated by chiropractors returned to work after only one week.

The primary goals of chiropractic care include: relief of pain; advancement of thorough healing; restoration and ongoing support of complete performance; diminishment of re-injury; and deterrence of hastened deterioration. The achievement of these objectives occur without medical prescription costs or the pain, increased expenditures and extended time away from work due to surgery.

The doctors perform an evaluation and determine if chiropractic is the best solution. If the answer is yes, a patient recovery plan is prepared. A narrative detailing the treatment plan and prognosis is submitted to the employer following the initial visit. Thereafter, the corporation will receive a weekly progress report. If the doctor determines he is unable to help a laborer, he will refer or co-treat with an MD.

Eight benefits will be realized for the staff member: restoration of his typical body movements and biomechanics; alignment of new connective tissue is improved; shortening of scar tissue and persistent stiffness is diminished; flexibility of ligaments and muscles is recovered and retained; muscle tone and coordination returns; faster, more effective healing occurs; normal sensation is restored and maintained; and, the risk of re-injury and decline is lowered.

Ozark Regional Chiropractic Affili-ates, a group of chiropractors in southwest Missouri, has noticed a definite increase in services provided. ORCA consists of more than 33 doctors in southwest Missouri and receives referrals from area businesses and managed care organizations such as St. John's Premier Plan and Cox Health Insurance Company.

A local company, Polar Tank Trailer, recently began using the services of ORCA. Larry LaForge, human resource manager, stated that at first he was skeptical about chiropractic care and developing a new provider relationship outside of what is considered the mainstream health care community.

However, within a short period of time, he "noticed measurable results. Workers returned to work with fewer restrictions and a non-surgical treatment is now available."

Work-related injuries lead to physical and emotional pain in associates and company pain due to workers' compensation costs and lost productivity. Usage of chiropractic care is an option that can bring relief.

(Lynne Haggerman is president/ owner of Haggerman & Associates, an employment, management training, human resources consulting, and outplacement firm.)