Survey of Occupational Injuries to Practicing Chiropractors

This study surveyed a sample of 69 New York State chiropractic doctors to investigate work- related injuries to the neck, back, upper and lower extremities. A majority of respondents (47) were male (68.1%) and 22 were female (31.9%). They were aged between 24 to 65 (mean =40.6, σ = 9.6). Reports of occupational injury were widespread: 21.7% reported injury or pain to the neck region, 30.4% upper or middle back, 44.9% in the low back and 58.0% pain or injury to one or both upper extremities. Patient handling was identified as the primary cause of 24.5% of injuries. Results show that chiropractors are at risk of injury as a result of the demands of practicing their profession. It is recommended that specific techniques and methods of treatment be looked at to identify specific elements that may cause unneeded injury risk.