Regardless of your occupation, the physical demands of your job - whether you're sitting at a desk all day, lifting heavy objects or running from location to location - can take a serious toll on your body.

That's where chiropractic care can help. In this interview with Timothy Wegscheid, DC, find out why he became a chiropractor and how he provides chiropractic care and ergonomic assessments to employees at a unique place of business: the Minnesota Zoo.

Describe how you became interested in providing chiropractic care at the workplace.

After I graduated from Northwestern College of Chiropractic in 1996, my father telephoned my office for an appointment, as he had strained his lower spine. He had been a lifetime employee at 3M (Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing), and I remembered visits to 3M's headquarters a couple of times as a kid. I was amazed at how large their headquarters were. They had everything there: a medical facility, a pharmacy and even a place to get your shoes shined and your hair cut. So, in reply to my dad's request, I responded with, "Why don't you see your chiropractor at work?" He responded, "What chiropractor?" This led me to ask the most basic of questions: "Why don't you have a chiropractor on-site?"

I understand you are currently involved with an exciting project with the Minnesota Zoo. How did this opportunity arise?

The Minnesota Zoo is owned by the State of Minnesota. It opened in 1978 and is located in my home town of Apple Valley. The zoo has around 170 full-time employees year-round. Toward the end of my occupational health diplomate program, I asked the head of safety and security for the zoo, if he would be open to having me provide on-site chiropractic care for the zoo's employees. He immediately understood the potential benefits of doing so, and with his assistance, we were able to implement an on-site chiropractic program.

Describe the major occupational health services you are providing at the zoo.

The zoo's employees are divided into two groups: the physical labor portion (zookeepers, grounds crew, maintenance, etc.) and the more sedentary portion (administrative, guest services, etc.). As it turns out, an approximately equal distribution of workers has chosen to see me. The zoo supplied me with an exam / treatment room, in which I provide chiropractic care, acupuncture and rehab for any neuromusculoskeletal symptoms the workers experience.

So, does your chiropractor provide chiropractic care and ergonomic assessments at your place of business? If not, you may want to pass this article on to your employer and suggest they contact your chiropractor. It's a win-win-win situation for employers, employees and your DC.

Read More »