Whether you have incurred an injury at work from repetitive motion strain or a slip and fall that has caused chronic pain, if your condition involves your back, neck or nerves, chiropractic may offer a solution. WorkSafeBC has partnered with the British Columbia College of Chiropractors to provide chiropractic care to workers injured on the job. If you have been hurt at work, talk to your chiropractor about a treatment plan that is right for you.

Collisions can result in many different types of injuries. ICBC recognizes chiropractic treatment as an effective recovery method in patients with injuries involving the spine, including back and neck trauma. If you have been injured in a crash, contact your chiropractor as soon as possible. In most cases your treatment will be covered by ICBC.

There are three main factors which can lead to spinal conditions:

• Physical stress: Heavy lifting, repetitive action, poor posture, car accident, falls, dehydration.
• Chemical stress: Poor diet, alcohol, smoking, vitamin deficiency, medications.
• Emotional stress: Financial problems, marital/family issues, loss of loved ones, general depression.

Yes, in fact spinal conditions can develop at all stages of life, from infant to senior. Monitoring your spinal health should be as routine as checking your blood pressure and watching your diet. Knowing the signs and symptoms of an underlying spinal condition can help you identify an issue early before it becomes a bigger problem later in life.

The most common symptom of an underlying spinal condition is back pain. Another give away that there is something wrong with your spine is if you are unable to participate in activities that you once enjoyed due to pain or mobility issues. Symptoms will vary depending on the extent of the injury and may take the form of:

• Back and/or neck pain
• Leg, arm and/or shoulder pain
• Gait or foot problems
• Balance issues/dizziness
• Mobility issues
• Headaches
• Fatigue/weakness
• Neck stiffness
• Poor concentration or memory

If you are concerned that you may be experiencing these symptoms, talk to your chiropractor. They can determine if an underlying spinal condition exists.

Your spine runs down the centre of your body from the base of your skull to your tailbone. It serves many important functions including:

• Protecting your spinal cord and related essential nerves which make up the central nervous system.
• Giving structure and connection for your hips, legs, shoulders and arms.
• Serving as an attachment to muscles that enable movement.
• Providing a framework and support for skull and ribs.

Because the spine plays such a key role in the functions of the body, it is easy to see why proper spinal care is important to your overall health and wellness.