Specific Health Resources
1. Chiropractic Care for Veterans with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain
- Study: A Randomized Trial of Chiropractic Care for Veterans with Chronic Low Back Pain
- Source: Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development (JRRD), 2010.
- Objective: This study assessed the effectiveness of chiropractic care for veterans with chronic low back pain. The study involved a randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) to a placebo treatment.
- Findings: The results indicated that chiropractic care was effective in reducing pain intensity and improving function in veterans suffering from chronic low back pain. Patients receiving chiropractic care reported significant reductions in pain and improved mobility compared to the control group.
- Conclusion: Chiropractic spinal manipulations are a beneficial non-pharmacologic treatment for chronic low back pain in veterans, helping reduce reliance on opioids and other pain medications.
- Study: Chiropractic Care and its Impact on Pain, Disability, and Quality of Life in Veterans with Low Back Pain: A Retrospective Study
- Source: Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 2016.
- Objective: This study looked at the impact of chiropractic care on veterans with low back pain (LBP) who were receiving care through the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).
- Findings: The study found that veterans receiving chiropractic care had significant reductions in pain intensity and improvements in disability and quality of life.
Conclusion: Chiropractic care provides positive clinical outcomes for veterans with low back pain, suggesting its potential as part of a multidisciplinary pain management strategy.
2. Chiropractic Care for Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Study: Chiropractic Care for Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury: A Case Series
- Source: Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 2017.
- Objective: This case series evaluated the effects of chiropractic care on veterans diagnosed with traumatic brain injury (TBI), which is a common issue among combat veterans.
- Findings: The study noted improvements in symptoms like headache, neck pain, dizziness, and cognitive function after chiropractic care, including spinal adjustments and soft tissue therapies.
Conclusion: Chiropractic care, including spinal manipulation and adjunct therapies, appears to provide relief for veterans suffering from TBI-related musculoskeletal issues and some associated symptoms. However, further controlled studies are needed to determine the long-term efficacy.
3. Chiropractic Care for Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Study: The Effectiveness of Chiropractic Care for Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Source: Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics, 2012.
- Objective: This study explored how chiropractic care can impact veterans suffering from PTSD, a prevalent mental health condition in veterans.
- Findings: The study found that chiropractic adjustments, particularly to the cervical spine, led to reductions in muscle tension, anxiety, and stress levels. While the study did not directly assess PTSD symptom relief, participants reported feeling calmer and experiencing less physical tension, which can exacerbate mental health issues.
Conclusion: Chiropractic care may play an adjunctive role in managing physical symptoms related to PTSD, including muscle tension and chronic pain, which can improve overall well-being.
4. Chiropractic Care and Pain Management in Veterans
- Study: Chiropractic Care and Pain Management in Veterans: A Review of the Literature
- Source: Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, 2014.
- Objective: This literature review aimed to assess the body of evidence on the role of chiropractic care in pain management for veterans, particularly for those with musculoskeletal injuries and chronic pain.
- Findings: The review concluded that chiropractic care is effective in managing various types of musculoskeletal pain, including neck and back pain, shoulder injuries, and joint pain. The authors noted that chiropractic care provided significant benefits, including pain relief, enhanced function, and improved quality of life, with a minimal risk of adverse effects.
Conclusion: Chiropractic care is a promising treatment for veterans with chronic musculoskeletal pain, offering an alternative to opioid-based pain management and other more invasive interventions.
5. Veteran Satisfaction with Chiropractic Care
- Study: Veteran Satisfaction with Chiropractic Care within the VA Healthcare System: A Cross-Sectional Survey
- Source: BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2018.
- Objective: This study surveyed veterans who received chiropractic care through the VA healthcare system to assess their satisfaction with the treatment and the outcomes they experienced.
- Findings: The survey showed high levels of satisfaction with chiropractic care among veterans. Many veterans reported that chiropractic care significantly helped with pain management, especially in the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries. The majority also appreciated the holistic, drug-free approach to pain management.
Conclusion: Veterans express strong satisfaction with chiropractic care and appreciate its role in managing musculoskeletal pain and improving functional outcomes.
6. Integrating Chiropractic Care into the VA Healthcare System
- Study: The Integration of Chiropractic Care into the Veterans Health Administration: An Evaluation of Implementation and Impact
- Source: Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, 2013.
- Objective: This study evaluated the integration of chiropractic services into the VA healthcare system, focusing on the feasibility and impact of expanding chiropractic care within VA facilities.
- Findings: The study found that integrating chiropractic care into the VA system improved access to non-pharmacologic treatments for pain, reduced reliance on opioids, and contributed to improved patient outcomes, particularly in veterans with chronic pain conditions.
Conclusion: Chiropractic care should be seen as a valuable component of the VA’s pain management strategy, and its integration into VA facilities was deemed successful in addressing musculoskeletal pain and improving the quality of life for veterans.
7. Veterans Affairs (VA) Chiropractic Care Utilization
- Study: Chiropractic Care Utilization and Associated Outcomes for Veterans
- Source: Journal of Pain Research, 2017.
- Objective: This study examined the utilization of chiropractic services by veterans and the associated clinical outcomes in terms of pain relief and functional improvement.
- Findings: The study found that veterans who utilized chiropractic care experienced significant improvements in pain reduction and physical function, particularly those with conditions like low back pain, neck pain, and arthritis. Patients who had long-standing musculoskeletal issues reported improvements in mobility and reduced reliance on pain medication.
Conclusion: Chiropractic care is an underutilized resource within the VA system, and increasing access to chiropractic services could help improve outcomes for veterans with musculoskeletal pain and other related conditions.
