Safety, tolerability and effectiveness of an ergonomic
intervention with chiropractic care for knowledge workers with upper-extremity
musculoskeletal disorders: A prospective case series
Affiliations: Ergonomics Institute, Life Chiropractic College West, Hayward, CA, USA | Life Chiropractic College West, Hayward, CA, USA
Note: [] Corresponding author: Chuck Sherrod, Ergonomics Institute of Life Chiropractic College West, 25001 Industrial Blvd, Hayward, CA 94545, USA. Tel.: +1 510 780 4500/2359; Fax: +1 510 780 4528; E-mail: csherrod@lifewest.edu
Abstract: BACKGROUND: One hundred and sixty million office workers (knowledge
workers) in the U.S. and 2/3 of the developed countries use computers on a
daily basis. OBJECTIVE: Investigate the effectiveness of ergonomic and
diversified chiropractic care for the reduction of pain, discomfort and
impaired productivity in knowledge workers presenting with neck and upper
extremity musculoskeletal complaints. METHODS: A one-year prospective case series (n=5 applying ergonomic job task analyses and ongoing
surveillance at baseline, 8 weeks, 16 weeks and one-year for musculoskeletal
discomfort (CMDQ and VAS, quality of life (Rand SF-36, productivity and forward
head posture (FHP). RESULTS: CMDQ and VAS scores decreased by 45%
(neck) and 80% (upper extremities); productivity increased from 65%
to 100%; physical functioning, role physical and role emotional improved for
4 of 5 subjects; body pain and general health improved for 3 of 5. Average FHP
changed from 1-inch (baseline) to 1/4-inch (16-weeks) to 1/2-inch (one year). CONCLUSIONS: Effectiveness of this intervention for the reduction of
risks depended upon the subject's adoption of safe workstyle behaviors and
postures. A transtheoretical model (TTM) for behavior change is discussed as a
possible methodology to enhance the adoption of safer work habits.
