Non-surgical chiropractic care for on-the-job back strains, neck injuries, lifting injuries, and repetitive strain — with workers’ comp paperwork support, at a Fort Lauderdale practice trusted since 1979.
By Dr. Douglas Kellerman, DC · Medically Reviewed By Dr. Michael F. Petrie, DC
A workplace injury chiropractor at Spine & Joint Center in Fort Lauderdale treats on-the-job back strains, neck injuries, and repetitive strain with non-surgical care — chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression, and guided rehabilitation. Most injured workers begin care within 24–48 hours of contacting the practice, and the team helps document the visit for a workers’ compensation claim.
Most workplace injuries to the spine are soft-tissue injuries: the ligaments, discs, and muscles that stabilize the lumbar and cervical spine are overloaded by lifting, twisting, sustained posture, or a sudden impact. When a vertebral segment loses normal motion, surrounding muscles guard and tighten, which can compress nearby nerve roots and refer pain into the hip, shoulder, or arm. Chiropractic care restores controlled movement to the affected segments — commonly in the lower lumbar spine (L4–L5, L5–S1) or lower cervical spine (C5–C6, C6–C7) — which reduces nerve irritation and lets the injured tissue settle. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, sprains, strains, and tears are the single most common type of workplace injury involving days away from work, and the back is the body part most often affected (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). A conservative care plan addresses the mechanical cause rather than masking the symptom.
Spine & Joint Center is located at 410 NE 44th St in Oakland Park, just minutes from downtown Fort Lauderdale, serving patients across Broward County. Dr. Michael F. Petrie, DC and Dr. Douglas Kellerman, DC bring 77 years of combined chiropractic experience to every workplace-injury evaluation — from the first exam through return-to-work planning. If you were hurt at work, call (954) 561-4700 to be seen quickly.
Injured at work? Don’t wait for the pain to get worse.
Workplace injuries range from a single lifting strain to repetitive damage built up over months. Spine & Joint Center evaluates each injury, confirms what tissue is involved, and builds a non-surgical care plan around it.
Lumbar strains from lifting, bending, or prolonged standing — the most common workplace spinal injury — treated with adjustments and rehab to restore safe movement.
Sudden jolts, falls, or impact on the job can sprain the cervical spine. Care eases stiffness, headache, and reduced range of motion.
Keyboard work, assembly tasks, and repeated motions wear on joints and nerves over time. Conservative care addresses the strain pattern at its source.
Heavy or awkward lifting can injure a spinal disc. Spinal decompression and adjustments help relieve disc-related pressure and radiating pain.
Falls on wet floors, stairs, or uneven ground can misalign the spine and bruise soft tissue. Early evaluation catches injuries that surface days later.
On-the-job shoulder, hip, and joint injuries are assessed alongside the spine, since restricted joints often shift strain elsewhere in the body.
After a workplace injury, your Doctor of Chiropractic begins with a full exam to identify the injured tissue, then combines several non-surgical methods into one care plan. Workplace injury care at the back pain relief and neck pain treatment programs draws on the same proven techniques used across Spine & Joint Center.
Precise spinal manipulation restores normal motion to injured segments, easing nerve irritation and muscle guarding.
Gentle, controlled traction relieves pressure on injured discs — useful for lifting injuries that involve a herniated disc.
Guided therapeutic exercise rebuilds strength and stability so the injured area can handle work demands again.
Movement coaching and workstation advice address the workplace ergonomics that contributed to the injury.
Electrical stimulation and ultrasound calm inflammation and muscle spasm, supporting the body during the early phase of recovery.
For injuries from a fall on the job, the practice’s slip and fall injury care follows the same evaluation-first approach. Your care plan is documented at each visit, which gives you clear records for a workers’ compensation claim.
See a chiropractor soon after any workplace injury — even one that feels minor. Soft-tissue injuries often stiffen and worsen over the following days, and an early exam creates a documented record from the start. Some symptoms, however, need prompt medical evaluation first.
For most strains and repetitive injuries, conservative chiropractic care can begin right away. Reporting the injury to your employer and being evaluated quickly protects both your recovery and your workers’ compensation claim — Florida workers’ comp rules differ from auto-injury PIP rules, so ask your employer about the authorized-care process for your claim.
Florida workers’ compensation can cover chiropractic care when the treatment is authorized as part of an accepted claim. Coverage and visit limits are set by the claim and the employer’s carrier, not by the chiropractor. Spine & Joint Center in Fort Lauderdale documents each visit so you have clear records, and recommends confirming authorized care with your employer or claims adjuster.
See a chiropractor as soon as possible after a work injury — ideally within 24 to 72 hours. Early evaluation catches soft-tissue injuries before they stiffen and creates a documented record from the start. Most injured workers can be seen quickly at Spine & Joint Center in Fort Lauderdale by calling (954) 561-4700.
The most common workplace injuries treated with chiropractic care are lower back strains and sprains, neck strains, lifting and disc injuries, slip-and-fall injuries, and repetitive strain injuries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, sprains and strains are the leading cause of work-related days away from job, and the back is the body part most often affected.
Yes. Chiropractic care for a workplace injury is non-surgical and drug-free. Spine & Joint Center in Fort Lauderdale uses adjustments, spinal decompression, rehabilitation, and therapeutic modalities to relieve pain and restore movement. For injuries that may need surgical review, your Doctor of Chiropractic will refer you to the appropriate specialist.
Whether a referral is needed depends on your workers’ compensation claim and the employer’s carrier — some plans require authorization before care. Spine & Joint Center in Fort Lauderdale can discuss the process with you and help with documentation. Confirm authorized-provider rules with your employer or claims adjuster before your first visit.
Recovery time varies with the injury, your age, and job demands. Many uncomplicated workplace strains improve within several weeks of consistent care, while disc-related or repetitive injuries can take longer. At Spine & Joint Center in Fort Lauderdale, your care plan is reviewed at each visit and adjusted as you progress toward returning to work safely.
Yes. Chiropractic care can help with repetitive strain from desk and keyboard work by restoring joint motion, easing muscle tension, and correcting posture patterns. Spine & Joint Center in Fort Lauderdale also provides ergonomic guidance so the workstation factors behind the strain are addressed, not just the symptoms.
Spine & Joint Center has helped injured workers across Broward County recover and return to the job since 1979. Schedule your evaluation and start a non-surgical care plan built around your injury.
Medically Reviewed By Dr. Michael F. Petrie, DC · May 2026
This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results may vary. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any treatment program.
Last Updated: May 2026