Investing in MSK Care

Ergonomic assessment

Despite overwhelming evidence that ergonomics interventions result in a return on investment ranging from 3:1 to 15:1, organizations continue to struggle to obtain appropriate funding for wellness improvement programs because it is seen as a cost.¹

In the long run, ergonomic programs, workplace wellness programs, and paramedical insurance coverage are an investment and are a savings for employers.

A systematic review in the Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation showed the financial merits of ergonomic changes at the workplace across several different sectors showed strong evidence that “ergonomic changes result in financial returns to firms”.² When a survey was conducted for manufacturing firms who had ergonomic programs in place from one to 15 years, respondents stated the following:

MSK disorders accounted for 21 to 82 per cent of reportable injuries and illnesses. Firms reported a reduction of between 4.9 to 9 per cent in illness and injury rates and increased employee retention and engagement of between 25 and 50 per cent as a result of specific ergonomic interventions.³

The correct ergonomic equipment can help improve efficiency. A comfortable workforce is a productive workforce. Investing in an ergonomic assessment program and investing in ergonomically appropriate equipment and furniture is as important as investing in quality recruitment, training, and development. Doctors of Chiropractic have the skills, education, and expertise to lead and advise workplaces establish or assess workplace ergonomics.  

Paramedical coverage

It is important that employees have adequate paramedical service coverage through their workplace benefits. Low benefit maximums can be a barrier to recovery from a work-related MSK injury or condition. Low benefit maximums can also discourage proactive or preventative treatment of emerging issues.

Evidence demonstrates the benefit of early intervention of MSK conditions, with a direct impact on lost time, absenteeism, and productivity. For example, a study looking at early intervention found that preventative treatment for MSK conditions could reduce sick leave and lost work productivity among workers with MSK by more than 50% and reduce the risk of permanent work disability and job loss by up to 50%.⁴

Paramedical benefits allow employees to quickly consult the appropriate healthcare provider to improve their overall well-being and help them return to work sooner when they are injured or in need of care. According to a study published in the Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, workers who went to a chiropractor first for occupational back pain had a significantly shorter duration of workers compensation during the first five months, compared to those who sought a medical doctor first.⁵

Studies show that chiropractic care for work-related MSK conditions allows patients to return to work faster than standard medical treatment.⁶ In an Angus Reid survey on access to care, two-thirds of Canadians who are experiencing pain stated that if they could afford to pay for more of the available treatments offered, their discomfort and quality of life would be improved.⁷ Employers and human resource professionals must address the growing problem of MSK pain in their workforce for both the business impact and wellbeing of their workforce. Extended healthcare professionals, like Doctors of Chiropractic, can play a key role in addressing, treating, and managing some of the economic and social impact of MSK conditions.

Working with a healthcare MSK expert

As experts in MSK conditions, chiropractors can assist Canadians and the private insurance industry to manage and treat injured workers and expedite a successful return to work. Doctors of Chiropractic are trained to assess, diagnose, treat (or refer where necessary), and help prevent conditions and disorders of the spine, neck, pelvis, muscles, and joints. Chiropractors will not only recommend a course of treatment, but may utilize soft tissue therapy, therapeutic modalities, lifestyle counselling, and rehabilitation – stretches, strengthening, and proprioceptive exercises – to treat injured workers.

Chiropractors in Canada are regulated in all provinces. The regulatory agencies (Colleges) in each province are created by profession-specific statutes with mandates to protect the public. The Colleges are the only bodies with the statutory authority to grant and/or revoke certification or licensure of healthcare practitioners. Colleges are responsible for setting and enforcing the standards of the chiropractic profession. The legislation, standards or policies in each jurisdiction prohibit chiropractors from practising outside their scope of practice.

What is next?

Beyond obligations to ensure a healthy and safe work environment, a strategy to prevent and treat MSK conditions represents a strong return on investment. Paramedical services focus on relieving pain, reducing pain, relaxing muscles, and improving personal wellness. For employers, Doctors of Chiropractic can assist in decreasing costs related to absenteeism and mitigate the economic impact of presenteeism. Chiropractic is cost-effective and can assist employers in maintaining a healthy productive workforce. Read our MSK Leadership Playbook page or download a more detailed version of the MSK Leadership Playbook in our white paper.