Work Injury & Repetitive Strain Care in Portland & Hood River

What is work injuries & repetitive strain?

Work injuries range from sudden lifting injuries and slips to gradual repetitive strain from typing, mouse use, tools or assembly-line work. Repetitive strain injuries (RSI) develop when the same tissues are loaded over and over without enough recovery.

Common symptoms of work injuries & repetitive strain

• Back or neck pain after lifting or a fall
• Aching, burning or tingling in the forearm, wrist or hand
• Shoulder pain from overhead or reaching tasks
• Stiffness that worsens through the workday
• Weakness or fatigue in the affected area

What causes work injuries & repetitive strain?

Common causes include heavy or awkward lifting, repetitive motions, poor workstation setup, prolonged static postures, vibration from tools, and inadequate breaks.

Oregon workers' compensation and chiropractic care

If you're hurt on the job in Oregon, report the injury to your employer as soon as possible. Workers' compensation may cover chiropractic care for accepted claims. ALVIS Chiropractic accepts workers' compensation at both clinics — bring your claim information and we'll help with the paperwork.

When should you see a doctor right away?

Most work injuries & repetitive strain is not an emergency, but some symptoms need immediate medical care. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room — rather than booking a chiropractic visit — if you have any of the following:

• Severe pain, deformity or inability to use a limb after an accident
• Head injury or loss of consciousness
• Progressive weakness or loss of bladder or bowel control

How chiropractic care may help work injuries & repetitive strain

Your doctor examines the injured area and how your job loads it. Care may include chiropractic adjustments, StemWave for soft-tissue strain, and practical ergonomic and activity guidance. We document findings for your claim and coordinate return-to-work considerations.

Services used for work injuries & repetitive strain:

• Chiropractic Adjustments
• StemWave

What to expect at ALVIS

Care for work injuries & repetitive strain at ALVIS Chiropractic follows three simple steps, starting with a free consultation. Nothing is decided until the doctor has heard your story and examined you, and there's no obligation to begin care.

1. 1Free consultation: tell the doctor about your work injuries & repetitive strain — when it started, what makes it better or worse, and your goals.
2. 2Exam: a hands-on chiropractic exam, with X-rays or other imaging reviewed or referred if needed, to identify the likely source and rule out red flags.
3. 3Personalized plan: the doctor explains the findings and recommends a plan, which may include chiropractic care, StemWave, home exercises or — in Portland — spinal decompression, or a referral if another provider is a better fit.

At-home tips while you heal

These general tips are safe for most people. Stop anything that clearly worsens your symptoms and ask your doctor what's right for you.

• Take micro-breaks every 30 minutes to change position and stretch.
• Set up your desk so elbows are at about 90 degrees and wrists neutral.
• Use your legs and keep loads close when lifting.
• Rotate tasks when possible to vary the load on your body.