More than 11 million Canadians suffer from neuro-Musculoskeletal (nMSK) conditions every year and this number is projected to soar to 15 million by 2031. nMSK conditions, including back pain, repetitive strain injuries, headache and neck tension are the second leading cause of short- and long-term disability in Canada, and are responsible for one-third of all lost time at work.
Across Ontario, the growing nMSK burden is having devastating impacts on people’s health, quality of life, and ability to participate in the workforce and maintain employment. And this has impacted Ontario’s economy too, costing the province more than $2 billion annually in absenteeism, medical expenditures and related disability payments.¹
Enter the Health2Work program. Launched by the OCA, in partnership with the Region of Waterloo and Langs Community Health Centre, Health2Work provides access to fully funded chiropractic care for Ontario Works clients suffering from nMSK conditions that hold them back from working or participating in job-related training.
This first-of-its-kind program has been a game-changer for people receiving assistance from Ontario Works, many of whom live below the poverty line and would otherwise not be able to afford much-needed chiropractic care to treat their nMSK conditions and related chronic pain.
Health2Work participants are first assessed by a chiropractor who works with them to create a personalized management plan that includes chiropractic treatment, as well as exercises they can do at home.
Chiropractors also collaborate with and support Ontario Works caseworkers, providing input on suitable employment paths and job training programs for Health2Work participants based on their current injuries. Chiropractors can also provide continued support when participants return to work to help mitigate any pain that may arise from changes in their daily activities.
Health2Work practice lead Dr. Amy Brown and patient

OCA member and Health2Work practice lead, Dr. Amy Brown has helped patients in the region manage their injuries and get back to working in roles that are a good fit for their physical capabilities.

“The Health2Work program has not only improved mobility, function and general quality of life for participants, but it has also provided new opportunities to get people back to working in roles that are a good fit for their physical capabilities,” says OCA member and Health2Work Practice Lead, Dr. Amy Brown. “We have been able to help participants address their injuries so they can engage in retraining programs or gradually increase their working hours as they begin to feel better.”
In addition to being the Practice Lead, Dr. Brown works with Health2Work participants in Cambridge along with fellow OCA member, Dr. Cam Potter. Based on the program’s success and the growing demand for chiropractic care in the region, Health2Work has expanded to Kitchener and Waterloo.
The OCA is proud to share that four more of our members have recently been recruited to run these new Health2Work program sites: Dr. Joe Allen and Dr. Alex Feier in Kitchener, and Dr. Isabel Cieslicki and Dr. Adam Fowlie in Waterloo.
“It’s incredible to see chiropractors giving back to their communities through the Health2Work program,” says Caroline Brereton, OCA CEO. “I’m so proud of our members and the profession for stepping up to support underserved communities in better managing their nMSK conditions, while removing barriers to accessing care in the process.”
[1] Wong et al. Characterizing high-cost healthcare users among adults with back pain in Ontario, Canada: a population-based cohort study. PAIN 165(9):p 1944-1954, September 2024.