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Originally Posted On: https://bcachiropractic.com/how-does-chiropractic-care-help-military-veterans/
How Does Chiropractic Care Help Military Veterans? Getting Access to VA-Approved Clinics
Chiropractic care provides a safe, non-drug option to treat the orthopedic problems faced by veterans and improve their physical functioning. This is a holistic approach that promotes the body’s own ability to recover without surgical or medication assistance. A lot of the veterans experience lower back pain, and neck and joint pain due to their service. Chiropractic procedures reduce these problems while improving general health status.
The VA provides chiropractic services at many of its major VA Treatment facilities. From 2005 to 2015, the number of VA clinics offering chiropractic clinics almost tripled. During that time, the number of veterans getting chiropractic care at these clinics jumped from about 4,000 to over 37,000, a big increase in demand and use of these healthcare services. For Vets not living near a VA Center, there are options. If the VA near you does not offer chiropractic care or you are not near a VA, with a referral, you can receive care from VA-approved community medical centers.
Understanding Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care focuses on treating musculoskeletal conditions and issues without drugs or surgery. It aims to help your body heal itself by addressing problems in your spine and joints.
Key Principles and Treatment Methods
Doctors of Chiropractic believe that proper alignment of your spine is key to overall health. They use hands-on spinal adjustments to improve your body’s physical function. These chiropractic adjustments can help with low back pain, overall back pain, neck pain, knee pain, and headaches.
Chiropractic treatment often involves:
- Spinal manipulation
- Soft tissue therapy
- Exercise recommendations
- Posture advice
The main goal is to reduce pain and improve range of motion. Chiropractors may also use other methods like heat, ice, or electrical stimulation.
Integration in Healthcare
Chiropractic care is now part of many healthcare services and systems, including military hospitals and veterans’ health administrative services. The VA has added chiropractic clinics to many of its medical centers and medical facilities. Chiropractic care can work alongside other treatments. It may help reduce the need for pain medication. This is especially useful for military personnel who need to stay on flight status. Many primary care providers now see chiropractors as valuable team members in patient care. They often work with other healthcare providers to give you complete treatment.
Veterans and Chiropractic Services
The VA offers chiropractic care to veterans at many medical facilities. This service helps with pain relief and healing without the use of drugs or surgery. You can get care on-site or through community care providers if you are not located near a VA Center.
Eligibility and Access
You can get chiropractic care if you’re an eligible veteran. You may receive care at VA hospitals and medical centers or through a local community provider. To receive chiropractic care at a non-VA facility, veterans generally need to meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Veteran Status
- Enrollment in VA Healthcare
- Referral from a VA Provider or Primary Care Physician
- Service-Connected Conditions
- Appointment Scheduling in Accordance with VA Guidelines
- Authorization
- Location Not Near VA Offering Chiropractic Care
Military-Specific Benefits
A chiropractic treatment plan can help with issues common among eligible veterans. It’s useful for back pain, neck pain, and headaches. These problems often result from military service. The care you receive is tailored to veterans’ needs. VA chiropractors understand military-related injuries. They can help with:
- Chronic pain from old injuries
- Joint problems from carrying heavy loads
- Posture issues from long marches or rides
The reduction in pain medication may be important for veterans concerned about substance abuse and dependence. Some VA chiropractors also offer acupuncture and physical therapy. This gives you more options for non-drug pain relief.
Common Ailments and Chiropractic Solutions
Chiropractic care helps veterans with many health issues from their service. It focuses on problems with muscles, bones, and nerves.
Joint Pain and Chronic Pain
Joint pain is common for veterans. It can come from past injuries or just years of hard work in the military. Chiropractic care targets the root of your pain. It doesn’t just cover up symptoms. Your chiropractor might adjust your joints or work on the muscles around them. This can help you move better and feel less pain. Many veterans report needing less pain medicine after seeing a chiropractor.
Bulging or Herniated Discs
Back injuries can cause problems with the discs in your spine. These discs can bulge out or break open, causing pain. Chiropractors use special methods to take pressure off these discs. This can help the disc heal and reduce your pain. They might also teach you exercises to make your back stronger. This can help stop more disc problems in the future.
Untreated Whiplash
Whiplash can happen in car crashes or explosions. It can hurt your neck for a long time if not treated right. A chiropractor can help even if has been years since the injury first happened. They work on the muscles and joints in your neck to ease pain and stiffness. You might learn exercises to make your neck stronger too. This can help you turn your head more easily and with less pain.
Brain Injuries
While chiropractors do not treat brain injuries themselves, some brain injuries can cause headaches and neck pain, and chiropractic care may help with this discomfort. Neck adjustments that are gentle can ease tension in your neck muscles. This might help reduce headaches. Chiropractors also look at how your neck bones line up. Fixing any problems here can sometimes help with dizziness or balance issues.
Specialized Care for Service-Related Injuries
Military service can lead to unique health problems. Chiropractors who work with veterans understand these special needs. They know how to treat pain from old combat injuries. They also understand how mental stress can affect your body. Your chiropractor can even work with work other doctors who treat you to make sure you get the best care you can.
Treatment Plans and Progress Monitoring
Chiropractic care for veterans involves creating custom plans and tracking results. Your chiropractic physician and care team will work with you to set goals and adjust treatments as needed.
Developing Personalized Care
Your first chiropractic visit will have a full exam. The chiropractor checks your spine, muscles, and joints. They will ask you about your pain, health history, and daily activities. This helps create a chiropractic health care program plan just for you. Your plan may include:
- Spinal adjustments
- Exercises for you to do at home
- Tips for better posture
The goal is to ease your pain and improve how you move. Your plan fits your needs as a veteran.
Tracking and Adjusting Treatments
Your chiropractor checks your progress at each visit. They may ask:
- How’s your pain level?
- Can you do more activities?
- Are the exercises helping?
They might change your plan based on how you’re doing. This could mean:
- More or fewer visits
- Different types of adjustments
- New exercises
Your input is very important. Tell your chiropractor what’s working and what’s not. This helps fine-tune your care for the best results.
Expanded Access and Legislation
Congress and the government have taken steps to make chiropractic care more available to veterans. These efforts aim to give you more options for pain relief without drugs.
Acts and Executive Orders
The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2018 was a big win for veterans seeking chiropractic care. This law expanded access to non-drug pain treatments, including chiropractic services. It required the VA to set up a program offering chiropractic care at more locations. An earlier law, passed in 2001, first made chiropractic care a permanent benefit for veterans. This ensured you could get these services through the VA healthcare system. Executive orders have also played a role. These directives from the president have pushed for better pain management options for veterans, including chiropractic care.
Increasing Veteran Outreach
The VA has worked to get the word out about chiropractic services. They’ve updated their website with info on where you can find care. Many VA facilities now offer chiropractic treatments on-site.
The VA has also partnered with chiropractors in local communities. This helps you get care closer to home if your nearest VA facility doesn’t offer it. To make sure you know about these options, the VA sends out notices and includes chiropractic care in their health education materials. They want to make sure you’re aware of all your choices for pain relief.
