The Benefits of Chiropractic in the Military
Chronic, physical pain resulting from serious trauma, and even "less serious" injuries, affects many soldiers and veterans. In many cases, the pain interferes with normal function and the ability to perform daily duties. Unfortunately for many, chronic pain is written off as a new way of life for which strong narcotics are prescribed. This is unacceptable and we can do better. Although the situation has many angles, one positive light is that chiropractic care has been made available to all veterans and soldiers.
The Prevalence of Pain in the Military
According to Dr. Erff of the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center Pain Clinic, the very nature of the job puts soldiers at an increased risk for developing chronic pain.[1] The regular demands and stress are often multiplied when the tough-it-out mentality does not seek medical attention until serious, chronic pain results... and it often does. Cumulative stress, single-event trauma, and surgery are all contributing factors. Although these will likely remain a constant of military service, chiropractic care may be a very helpful solution.
The Need for Alternative Treatments
Painkiller use and abuse is a concern among active duty military and veterans. From 2001 to 2011, the use of opioids like hydrocodone by military personnel and veterans rose 56%. There's no denying that opioid painkillers do relieve pain, but at what cost? They can be extremely addictive and often come with serious side effects. As one veteran noted, "my life revolved around when my next pill would come."
Unfortunately, death from painkillers affects many military families. For example, in the counties surrounding Fort Bragg, 395 deaths have been tied to opioid painkiller use since 2000.[2] Many of those tragedies are young people (in their 30's) with young families.
Chiropractic Care is Available
For all military, active duty and veterans, alternative, non-drug pain relief is available today. In a rare moment in Washington, Congress and the President agreed on the value and benefits of chiropractic care and signed legislation to make chiropractic care a permanent medical benefit for active duty military and veterans. This has led to a doctor of chiropractic at 60 military bases, and 1 at the U.S. Capitol.[3] Since 2004, chiropractic services have been available at Veterans Health Administration medical facilities.[4]
How Chiropractic is Helping
Active duty military personnel embrace chiropractic care and report that it enhances health and well-being while reducing stress. Surveys indicate military personnel take advantage of chiropractic services up to 7x more often than civilians.[5] While reducing stress can help prevent injury, chiropractic care has also been shown to address specific pain-related concerns.
Chiropractic Therapy for Back Pain
Back pain, especially chronic back pain, can make life miserable, and it's common in the military. Randomized trials have found that spinal manipulation can be effective for lower back pain. One 2013 study specifically evaluated chiropractic therapy with general medical care in military personnel, 18-35 years old. The results suggest reduced pain and improved physical well-being and function as compared to patients who only received the standard care.[6]
These studies confirm the well-established truth that the majority of individuals with back pain find relief with chiropractic treatment.[7] The U.S. is not the only country utilizing chiropractic care for military back pain either. The Canadian Armed Forces also offer chiropractic services and a survey among their military personnel found that more than 90% were satisfied with their own chiropractic services.[8]
Chiropractic is Relieving Neck Pain, Too
Neck pain is another common complaint among military personnel. A study from the University of Pennsylvania Spine Center found that chiropractic care, along with other alternative therapies like acupuncture, massage, yoga and T’ai Chi, had positive results in addressing neck pain.[9] Not to be left out, the VA of Western New York also examined the effectiveness of chiropractic care for neck pain among 54 veterans who reported significant and meaningful improvements after an average of about 9 sessions.[10]
Additional Benefits of Chiropractic Care
While studies continue to reaffirm the effectiveness of chiropractic care for back and neck pain, chiropractic is effective for other health concerns as well. This is great news for our soldiers, front-line and otherwise, as chronic pain can affect the entire body and it's often just part of the job. Have you ever had to carry a 60-100lb pack every day?[11] Many military personnel do, and such demands are hard on the entire body.
Chiropractic care can be a very effective alternative to painkillers and provide real long-term relief absent of the side effects that accompany prescription drugs. Now that care is accessible to active duty personnel, we need to promote awareness and use among veterans and active duty members. Considering the dangers of painkillers, it just may save a life.
References (11)
- Deal, Patricia. Carl R. Darnell Army Medical Center Public Affairs. Relief in sight for chronic pain sufferers. (last accessed 2013-12-12)
- Brooks, Drew. Hearing spotlights painkiller overuse among soldiers. (last accessed 2013-12-12)
- Foundation for Chiropractic Progress. Integration of Chiropractic Care and VA/Military Facilities. (last accessed 2013-12-05)
- Lisi AJ, Goertz C, Lawrence DJ, Satyanarayana P. Characteristics of Veterans Health Administration chiropractors and chiropractic clinics. J Rehabil Res Dev. 2009;46(8):997-1002.
- Goertz C, Marriott BP, Finch MD, Bray RM, Williams TV, Hourani LL, Hadden LS, Colleran HL, Jonas WB. Military report more complementary and alternative medicine use than civilians. J Altern Complement Med. 2013 Jun;19(6):509-17. doi: 10.1089/acm.2012.0108. Epub 2013 Jan 16.
- Goertz CM, Long CR, Hondras MA, Petri R, Delgado R, Lawrence DJ, Owens EF, Meeker WC. Adding chiropractic manipulative therapy to standard medical care for patients with acute low back pain: results of a pragmatic randomized comparative effectiveness study. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2013 Apr 15;38(8):627-34. doi: 10.1097/BRS.0b013e31827733e7.
- Lall M. Chiropractic management of back pain. Aust Fam Physician. 1983 May;12(5):355-8.
- Boudreau LA, Busse JW, McBride G. Chiropractic services in the Canadian Armed Forces: a pilot project. Mil Med. 2006 Jun;171(6):572-6.
- Plastaras CT, Schran S, Kim N, Sorosky S, Darr D, Chen MS, Lansky R. Complementary and alternative treatment for neck pain: chiropractic, acupuncture, TENS, massage, yoga, Tai Chi, and Feldenkrais. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2011 Aug;22(3):521-37, ix. doi: 10.1016/j.pmr.2011.02.011.
- Dunn AS, Green BN, Formolo LR, Chicoine DR. Chiropractic management for veterans with neck pain: a retrospective study of clinical outcomes. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2011 Oct;34(8):533-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2011.08.009. Epub 2011 Sep 9.
- NPR. Weight Of War: Soldiers' Heavy Gear Packs On Pain. (last accessed 2013-12-12)
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
Dr. Edward Group, DC
FOUNDER | HEALER | ADVOCATEDr. Group, DC is a healer and alternative health advocate, and an industry leader and innovator in the field of natural health who is dedicated to helping others. He is a registered doctor of chiropractic (DC), a naturopathic practitioner (NP), and proud alum of Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan School of Management. Dr. Group, DC is the founder of Global Healing – a mission and vision he has shared through best-selling books and frequent media appearances. He aims to spread his message of positivity, hope, and wellness throughout the world.
