When the Cure is Worse than the Injury

In airline-related on-the-job accidents, sometimes the cure can be worse than the injury itself.

Because airline and airport workers are subject to drug testing, some injured air industry employees seek out chiropractic care.
Because airline and airport workers are subject to drug testing, some injured air industry employees seek out chiropractic care for their neck, back or other spine injuries

In cases of spinal injury, chiropractic manipulation can sometimes worsen the injury.  In an extreme example, a patient can suffer a stroke while receiving treatment via cervical manipulation.  Although stroke is a known risk of cervical manipulation, statistically the chances of this serious complication occurring are quite low.  That being said, you sure don’t want to be the unlucky person who actually does have a stroke right on the chiropractor’s table!

Many pilots and other airline workers on the airport operations area (AOA) seek out doctors of chiropractic medicine specifically because chiropractors can not prescribe medications which are prohibited on runways and tarmacs.  Pilots and aircraft refuelers who visit the chiropractor can typically continue working without the worry of failing a urinalysis test or needing to report the usage of pain killers to their bosses.

If you have suffered a spinal injury and are seeing a chiropractor, be sure to carefully weigh the benefits and risks before agreeing to treatment via cervical manipulation.

And if you or someone you know has been injured while working for an airline or on an aircraft and there are questions as to what laws apply, email or call Abrams Landau, Ltd. at once (703-796-9555).