SPINAL CARE EDUCATION AS A PREVENTATIVE STRATEGY FOR OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY: A New Role for Chiropractors

Objective: To evaluate the cost effectiveness of a spinal care lecture (conducted by a chiropractor) in reducing the number of spinal injuries and their associated costs in the workplace. Method: A lecture was designed to increase employees awareness of spinal injury and how it might be prevented. The lecture was designed following a work-place inspection, to assess the most likely risk factors for injury. The lecture also included advice on posture, normal biomechanics and alternative strategies to improve spinal health. Subjects: Volunteer subjects, all from the same company, were randomly assigned to a study group (n = 34) and a control group (n = 27). The remaining employees (n = 60) formed a non intervention (baseline) comparison group. Main Outcome Measures: The number and severity of injuries for all groups was monitored over a six month period prior to and following the lecture. In addition, Oswestry pain and disability questionnaires were collected prior to the lecture and at the six month follow up period. Results: The average cost of injuries went from $451 in the six months prior to training down to $194 in the first three months and then to $269 at six months after training. In comparison, the corresponding control group figures were $396, $409 and $382, respectively. Discussion: The cost of reported back injuries decreased by 57% in the first three months for the educated group when compared to pre-intervention levels. At the six month follow up the cost of back injuries remained 40% lower than previous levels. Conclusion: The results from our study demonstrated a statistically significant reduction (p< .05) in the cost of back injuries and Oswestry pain scores, following an employee training program conducted by a chiropractor.