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Injury care · Canton, OH

Work injury treatment in Canton, OH

A work injury is any strain, sprain or other injury that happens while doing your job, either from one event like a fall or from repeated motions over time. Common examples are low back, neck and shoulder pain. At Belden Village Chiropractic in Canton, care starts with an exam.

Reviewed by Dr. Brent Ungar, DC · Last reviewed [date]

  • 40+ years in practice in Canton
  • Over 300 five-star reviews
  • No referral needed
Chiropractor examining the lower back of a construction worker after a work injury at a clinic in Canton, OH

Work injuries at a glance

Work injuries at a glance
Also calledWorkplace injury, on-the-job injury, occupational injury, repetitive strain injury
Body areaLow back, neck, shoulders, wrists and hands, knees
Structures involvedMuscles, tendons, ligaments, spinal joints and discs, nerves
Common symptomsPain, stiffness, muscle spasm, weakness, numbness or tingling, trouble doing job tasks
Common causesLifting and twisting, repeated motions, slips and falls, long hours in one position, vibration from tools or vehicles
How we evaluateInjury and work history, physical and neurological exam, movement assessment, imaging if needed
Care optionsChiropractic adjustments, physical rehabilitation, massage therapy, laser therapy
Referral needed?No referral needed

What is a work injury?

A work injury is an injury or condition caused by your job. Some happen in a single moment, such as a fall or a back strain from lifting. Others build up over weeks or months from repeated motions, awkward postures or long hours in one position.

Work injuries often affect the low back, neck, shoulders and wrists. Sprains (stretched or torn ligaments) and strains (stretched or torn muscles or tendons) are common types.

Because work injuries can involve muscles, joints, discs and nerves, care starts with a full exam to find the source and plan a safe return to your normal duties.

Warehouse worker in a safety vest grabbing his lower back in pain while lifting a heavy box with a rounded back

Work injury symptoms and causes

What does a work injury feel like?

Symptoms depend on the body area and whether the injury happened suddenly or built up over time.

  • Pain or stiffness in the back, neck or shoulders during or after work
  • Muscle spasm or tightness
  • Pain that gets worse with lifting, reaching or certain job tasks
  • Numbness or tingling in the hands, arms or legs
  • Weakness or a weaker grip
  • Trouble sitting, standing or moving for a full shift

What causes work injuries?

Work injuries often come from how the body is loaded during the workday.

  • Lifting, pushing or pulling heavy loads, especially while twisting
  • Repeated motions such as assembly work, typing or using hand tools
  • Slips, trips and falls
  • Long hours sitting at a desk or driving
  • Awkward postures, such as overhead work or bending for long periods
  • Vibration from power tools or heavy equipment
  • Risk factors: physical jobs, a poor workstation setup, fatigue, a past injury

Which work injury is it?

Work injuries can overlap, and more than one area can be hurt at once. Your exam helps sort out the cause.

How common work injuries compare
FeatureSudden (acute) injuryRepetitive strain injuryNerve irritation
How it startsOne event, such as a lift, slip or fallGradually, from the same motions or posture day after dayEither way, when a disc or tight tissue presses on a nerve
Common examplesLow back strain, neck strain, sprained ankle or wristCarpal tunnel syndrome, shoulder tendinitis, ongoing neck or back painSciatica, a pinched nerve in the neck
Typical signsPain that starts right away, swelling, muscle spasmAching that builds during the shift and eases with restNumbness, tingling or pain traveling into an arm or leg

Get emergency care right away if

  • You hit your head, lost consciousness or feel confused after the injury
  • A bone looks out of place, or you cannot put weight on a limb
  • You have new weakness, numbness or clumsiness in your arms or legs
  • You lose control of your bladder or bowels
  • You have a deep cut, heavy bleeding or a crush injury
  • You have chest pain, shortness of breath or pain spreading to the jaw or left arm

What to expect at our Canton office

Our typical process involves:

  1. Obtaining a thorough history of the problem and health history of the patient
  2. Performing a complete examination of the patient
  3. Obtaining any diagnostic tests (if necessary) to better understand the problem
  4. Discussing the diagnosis with you
  5. Reviewing the findings and treatment options with you

Every case is different and results vary.

Your first visit for a work injury

Before

Wear comfortable clothes. Bring any imaging reports, a list of medications and the date and details of your injury.

During

We ask how the injury happened and what your job involves, then check your movement, posture, strength, reflexes and sensation.

After

We explain what we found and the options that fit, so you can decide how to move forward.

Work injury care options in Canton

Every care plan depends on your exam. Options your provider may recommend include:

  • Chiropractic adjustments Gentle, targeted care to improve how the spine and joints move after an injury.
  • Physical rehabilitation Exercises to rebuild strength and range of motion, plus safe lifting and posture habits for your job.
  • Massage therapy Hands-on work to relax tight, overworked muscles.
  • Laser therapy Low-level laser light applied to sore areas, used to help ease pain and inflammation.

If your injury needs other care, such as advanced imaging, a specialist or a surgical consult, your provider will refer you and coordinate with your physician.

Hurt on the job and still in pain?

Your work injury care team

Work injury questions we hear in Canton

Chiropractic care is a common conservative option for many work injuries, such as back and neck strains. We review your injury and exam first, and refer you to a physician if we find signs that need other care.

[Confirm with practice whether the office accepts Ohio BWC claims and what patients need to bring.] Report your injury to your employer as soon as you can, and bring your claim information to your first visit.

A repetitive strain injury builds up over time from doing the same motion again and again, such as typing, assembly work or using hand tools. Carpal tunnel syndrome and shoulder tendinitis are common examples.

It depends on the injury, your job duties and how you respond to care. Your provider will talk with you about activity limits and a safe return to work as you heal.

No referral needed. Imaging is ordered only if your exam shows it is needed, such as after a fall or when nerve symptoms are present.

Belden Village Chiropractic and Wellness Center treats work injuries at 4200 Munson Street NW, Suite B, in Canton, near North Canton, Massillon and the Belden Village area.

Visit our Canton office

Address
4200 Munson Street NW, Suite B, Canton, OH 44718
Phone
330-493-0009
Hours
Mon–Thu: Dr. Ungar 7:45 a.m.–6 p.m.
Mon–Thu: Dr. Gatelaro 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Fri–Sun: Closed
Parking
Free on-site parking

Patients visit us from Canton, North Canton and across Stark County.

Find out what is behind your pain after a work injury

Start with a full exam and a clear talk about your options. Call 330-493-0009 or send a request.