Last month, I wrote about work related emotional stress being a very common health risk. Work for financial gain is a necessity but there is an expensive price tag for both the worker and the company when work stress compromises health.

While painful conditions generally send people to the chiropractor's office, the pain is usually a “decoy” covering up the real problem of emotional conflict at work which actually overloads the immune system. The results are costly, but now companies are beginning to implement strategies to reduce workplace stress through education, on-site screenings and fitness opportunities. The Centers for Disease Control established the Healthier Worksite Initiative because employee wellness programs have been shown to save money and promote worker health and morale. Wellness programs are providing a $3 return for every $1 spent, which is helpful to companies since health insurance premiums are on the rise.

Difficult work situations and less personal time outside of work are common complaints I hear in my office. The lack of control over work seems to be the most insidious stressor that contributes to injuries, pain syndromes, chronic illnesses, fatigue, and weight gain. Not feeling good at work is a serious safety risk. Health education that involves employee participation can be introduced.

Worker wellness programs involving employee input adds a great deal of hidden value. When employees realize the connection between health and work performance, they are more likely to implement a teamwork approach which increases morale.

Chiropractors can play a significant role in employee wellness programs because of the considerable cost savings they already provide through state worker's compensation programs. Chiropractic care has been shown to get injured workers back to the job sooner and keep them on the job.

Because chiropractic care is drug free, it reduces the need for continual medical supervision that is required when someone is taking a prescription medication. This would take employees away from work and use up more of their sick time. Many pain medications cause cognitive disturbances, such as drowsiness, impairing job performance and posing safety risks.

Many wellness programs utilize chiropractors onsite so they can evaluate work stations for safety and efficiency. Chiropractors can study the worker's functional posture and implement changes to prevent repetitive strain injuries. Providing spinal adjustments at the work place not only saves the worker time and travel, the entire work force can have the opportunity to get adjusted. It takes very little time to adjust someone who is symptom free and the benefits to health is a win/win for the company and its workers.

Business owners who want to create healthy work sites by implementing a chiropractic wellness program for their employees will be noticed for their leadership in the community.

Lisa Ann Homic, M.Ed. D.C., may be contacted at www.DrHomic.com