Spine Health and Health Education...
Why Worker Spine Health
should be improved?
SPINE HEALTH FIRST?
Why should employers be concerned about the spine and joint problems of their workers? Why not use traditional medical approaches and traditional care? As they say, “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it!”
The World Health Organization has proclaimed that 2000 to 2010 is the “Bone and Joint Decade,” because problems with muscles, joints and the spine are the, “most common cause of severe long-term pain and physical disability affecting “hundreds of millions of people around the world.” Back pain alone is the second leading cause of world wide sick leave.
By 1994 the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Policy and Research proclaimed spinal manipulation “safe and effective” for acute back pain, and other landmark investigations such as the Meade et al trial in England began showing that even severe and chronic back pain responded better to chiropractic than physical therapy. Unfortunately, not everyone is familiar with even more recent research that shows chiropractic is effective even for serious sciatica and disc protrusion cases, so many workers receive ineffective treatments and their spine disability contributes to poor productivity. It is important to understand that for the worker with back, neck or carpal joint pain, exercise or other health behavior change may be difficult or impossible until pain relief is attained.
Therefore, our challenge at Leach Chiropractic is to provide excellent consultative, treatment, and referral services as indicated for spine and joint problems, that return workers to top form and productivity levels faster and more efficiently than by use of traditional orthodox medical approaches. Once the worker has attained relief from their acute pain they can begin to consider changing health behaviors that will further contribute to improved performance at work.
HEALTH EDUCATION SECOND
Everyone agrees it is important to go beyond acute spine and joint care, to promote prevention, early detection, and overall well being. But there is considerable debate over how to accomplish these goals. Health Education research explains that generally workers may only be willing to change one health related behavior at a time. And even changing one behavior is difficult, whether it is beginning a walking program, smoking cessation, or strength training for the back. Knowing these limitations, we at Leach Chiropractic assist workers with both traditional and newer, non-traditional approaches, such as training in coping behaviors and other stress management techniques especially useful in chronic pain cases.
OUR WORKER PROGRAMS: EVERYONE BENEFITS
Leach Chiropractic has always been known for providing the highest level of service, in an honest and ethical manner. We are interested in positive, long-term professional relationships and stand behind our work. With that in mind we offer worksite analysis, and development, implementation and analysis of safety, spine and health programs specific to the needs of our clients and their workers. Our client companies are given complete control over worksite services, and we are dedicated to attaining successful outcomes. Indeed, we are committed to providing a measurable return on investment (ROI). With regard to our consultative services, we are committed to restoring, maintaining and motivating your workers. Finally, we will work closely with you to measure the outcomes that are most important to your company.
SPEAKING OPPORTUNITIES
Dr. Robert Leach is a recognized chiropractic clinician, researcher and author, and is a certified health education specialist. His dynamic real life approach engages and challenges employees to aspire to a better quality of life. Named “Health Educator of the Year” by the Mississippi Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance in 2007, he has participated recently at the national chiropractic Strategic Planning Conference, presented at numerous chiropractic research conferences, and given safety and wellness presentations at worksites and other venues in Starkville and elsewhere.
WORKSITE SMALL GROUP TOPICS
My Back and My Health: How to increase Activities with a Weak Back
Preventing Elbow and Wrist Injuries
Sickness, Wellness—Our Mind and our Behaviors
Preventing Repetitive Strain Injuries
Why do we Kick the Cat? Tips to Manage Stress
Neck Pain: Postures and Worker Safety
Back Pain: Postures and Worker Safety
Why diets don’t work—Healthy weight loss
For more information regarding worksite analysis, development and implementation of programs for safety and health training that help meet “Voluntary Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines” of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, your personnel director or safety officer should call Leach Chiropractic and ask for a complimentary consultation with Dr. Robert Leach.