Workplace injury is an everyday reality. In fact, nearly 2.6 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses were recorded in 2023. Such cases can require a lengthy recovery, leading to missed workdays, loss of income, and low morale.
From repetitive strain injuries to unforeseen accidents, work-related injuries require specialized care to ensure effective recovery and a safe return to work. Total Care Wellness Center can help if you have been injured or ill in the workplace. Dr. Holly Geersen, our workers’ compensation doctor in Aurora, CO, can diagnose work-related injuries, develop treatment plans, and provide medical care and rehabilitation.
Workers' compensation insurance (or workers’ comp) provides financial protection to employees who acquire work-related injuries or illnesses. It covers cash payments for lost wages and medical expenses, ensuring injured employees can manage treatment costs and maintain income during recovery. This insurance is significant in supporting employees’ rehabilitation and helping them return to work safely.
Work-related injuries develop as a result of repetitive strain or accidents. They typically affect the muscles, bones, tendons, and nerves. Below are a few examples of common workplace injuries.
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition caused by compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. This can result in numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and fingers, particularly the thumb, index, and middle fingers.
CTS is commonly associated with repetitive hand and wrist movements, prolonged use of vibrating tools, or tasks requiring strong gripping motions. Occupations such as assembly line work or computer-based jobs are especially prone to this condition.
Rotator cuff injuries refer to damage to the group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder. Injuries can range from inflammation to the tearing of the tendons.
These injuries often result from repetitive overhead motions or frequent heavy lifting. Symptoms typically include pain when lifting or rotating the arm, weakness in the shoulder, and a limited range of motion. Discomfort may persist even at rest, particularly during sleep.
Elbow tendonitis, which includes tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis), is the inflammation of tendons in the elbow.
Jobs requiring repetitive arm movements, such as mechanics, painters, and cooks, can lead to this condition. Workers may develop pain and tenderness on either the outer or inner side of the elbow, along with weakened grip strength and difficulty performing tasks that involve twisting or gripping.
Trigger finger or stenosing tenosynovitis occurs when inflammation causes a tendon in a finger to become stuck in a bent position that looks like you’re pulling a trigger. Workers who repeatedly grip tools or perform tasks requiring sustained force in their fingers, such as musicians, racket athletes, and farmers, are at risk.
The condition is marked by finger stiffness (often worse in the morning), a clicking or popping sensation with movement, and pain. In severe cases, the finger may become locked in a bent position.
Low back pain is a prevalent work-related condition caused by strain or injury to the muscles or discs in the lower back. It can result from heavy lifting or poor posture.
Occupations involving physical strain are particularly affected, though sedentary office work with improper seating can also contribute. Symptoms include an aching or sharp pain in the lower back, stiffness, and limited mobility. Severe cases may lead to sciatica, where pain radiates down the legs.
Accidents in the workplace can lead to slip and fall injuries such as fractures, sprains, or head injuries. These incidents often occur in environments with wet floors, uneven surfaces, or inadequate lighting. According to 2021–2022 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 450,540 nonfatal injuries that resulted in days away from work involved slips, trips, and falls.
Symptoms depend on the specific injury. If the head is involved, workers may experience concussion symptoms such as dizziness, headache, or confusion.
Total Wellness Center’s Dr. Holly Geersen provides targeted chiropractic care that helps realign the spine, alleviate musculoskeletal pain, and restore proper function to the body. It offers many benefits that can accelerate recovery from work-related injuries.
Chiropractic care supports the body’s inherent ability to heal itself. Using hands-on adjustments, chiropractic care reduces inflammation, improves circulation, and restores alignment, enhancing natural recovery. This promotes faster healing while minimizing the risk of side effects or complications.
Chiropractic care offers a nonsurgical and drug-free approach to managing and healing work-related injuries. Many workers prefer this treatment option because it eliminates the risks associated with surgery and the dependency or side effects of pain medications. Through manual therapies and ergonomic guidance, chiropractic care provides a safer pathway to recovery while avoiding more invasive interventions.
Unlike treatments that only mask symptoms, chiropractic care addresses the underlying issues causing pain or dysfunction. Misalignments in the spine and joints often contribute to work-related injuries, and chiropractic adjustments target these root causes directly. By resolving these foundational problems, chiropractic care not only alleviates pain but also reduces the likelihood of re-injury, ensuring more sustainable recovery outcomes.
Workers’ comp will pay for your chiropractic treatment costs. The benefits are shouldered by your employer’s insurance provider, and most insurance health plans cover chiropractic care.
To gain clarity on your workers’ compensation coverage, refer to your insurance plan or speak with your employer. Our team here at Total Wellness Center can also help you understand your insurance policy or answer any questions about your coverage.
If you are injured on the job, you must promptly notify your employer and file a claim with your state workers’ compensation office (if you’re employed by a private organization or a state or local government) or with the Department of Labor's Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (if you’re a federal government employee).
Your claim must be accompanied by relevant documentation, such as medical billing statements, prescriptions, and proof of payment.
It’s crucial to file your workers’ compensation claim as soon as possible, as most states have specific timelines for filing. In Colorado, you need to file your claim within two years.
At Total Wellness Center, we offer a specialized work injury program designed to help workers recover safely and effectively. Each patient receives a personalized treatment plan tailored to their unique condition and recovery goals.
Dr. Holly Geersen, our workers’ compensation doctor in Aurora, provides a wide range of noninvasive therapies, including chiropractic adjustments, corrective exercises, acupuncture, and nutritional counseling. She is dedicated to ensuring that every patient receives exceptional care to recover fully and maintain long-term wellness.
Workers perform various tasks that put them at risk of injuries. They may be mild at first, but leaving them untreated can make life inside and outside of work difficult.
If you’re an injured worker, see a workers’ compensation doctor in Aurora ASAP for a smooth recovery. Dr. Holly Geersen at Total Wellness Center is a licensed chiropractor and board-certified acupuncturist who specializes in treating work injuries. With her expertise, she can help you manage pain, prevent complications, and ensure a safe return to work.