CAMBRIDGE - A new program will give people on social assistance in Waterloo Region chiropractic care and guidance to alleviate chronic pain and help them return to work.

The Health2Work program launched by the Region of Waterloo, in partnership with the Ontario Chiropractic Association and Langs Community Health Centre in Cambridge, will provide people who are on Ontario Works and nondisabled family members on Ontario Disability Support Program access to chiropractic care, funded by the province.

"It's a piece that we haven't had until now," said Peter Phillips, who has been leading the program on the region's side as part of the employment and income support department. Dealing with chronic pain is a big hurdle to pursing a new job or training.

"It makes it very difficult to make those changes," Phillips said.

But people on Ontario Works live significantly below the poverty line, making it difficult to afford care to deal with that pain, such as chiropractic or physiotherapy. Before, access to publicly funded care for these conditions had been limited, which typically worsen over time if left untreated.

"It's quite the cycle to be caught in," said Langs chiropractor Dr. Amy Brown, who is working with the clients.

The program is focused on musculoskeletal conditions, including back, neck and shoulder pain, which are the leading cause of disability in Canada.

The chiropractor will do an assessment and come up with a management plan, including treatment as well as things people can do at home. Input on employment or training that's a good fit with the client's physical abilities will also be offered.

The chiropractor can also provide support when a person returns to work. Often there can be "growing pains" with the change in activity, Brown said.

The three-year pilot project, which will include an independent evaluation, is now offered in Cambridge and will expand to other cities and townships by the end of 2020.

Participation is voluntary, and a referral is needed to join.

"To our knowledge, there is nothing else running like this," Phillips said.

jweidner@therecord.com

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