Veteran Chiropractic Care: The Difference a Child Saw in His Dad

A Veteran’s son said one day, “I really like your chiropractor.” He added that he hoped his father would keep seeing the chiropractor for the rest of his life. When asked why, the boy replied, “Because when you come back from him, you’re the happiest dad I’ve ever seen.”  

A colleague of mine, Dr. Pat Luse, writes about this in his book The 7 Systems Plan. It’s a perfect example of how successful pain management can improve many areas of our lives. Chronic pain tricks the brain into thinking the body is in danger, so it releases stress hormones intended to help with fight-or-flight responses. This results in fearfulness, depression, and anxiety, can disrupt sleep, and even cause weight gain. 

“In war, there are no unwounded soldiers,” said writer José Narosky. Our soldiers often return home injured, the most common being musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs), which, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), are the main reason veterans come to VA medical centers. 

Why Veterans Sometimes Avoid Care

All too often, Veterans downplay their injuries as less serious than they really are. These oversimplifications are psychological barriers to care, and since MSIs rarely improve on their own, delaying treatment can cause permanent injury and chronic pain. 

The reasons Veterans give for bypassing care can be as unique as they are, but comments made to me include:

• I don’t want to be a burden to my family.
• I feel mentally weak and heavy. 
• My purpose was to serve, and now I have no value. 

As a chiropractor, a notion I find profoundly sad is common among Veterans: “I don’t want to bother the doctors. I shouldn’t be taking up space in the healthcare system when other peoples’ pain is worse.” 

Veterans with service-related disabilities wonder if a civilian healthcare provider will understand their experience. They can feel frustrated that they were once independent but must now rely on others. Those with mental health conditions may fear that stigmas will be imposed on them. 

One thing’s certain: Veterans don’t want to be perceived as weak. Who would? No one wants that. These men and women have given so much. Weak is the last word I would ever apply to them. 

If I could speak to all Veterans who live with chronic pain from MSIs, I would say this: 

I’m sorry that you’re going through this. But there are people who genuinely care about helping you find healing. It’s okay to ask for help. In fact, it’s a sign of strength.

I was treating a Veteran one day, unaware that he was living with PTSD following an accident with an improvised explosive device. The beeping of some medical equipment caused him to panic, break into a full sweat, and throw the equipment across the room. 

I had conducted a thorough history with him before we started treatment, but he hadn’t shared his story. After that, I understood so much more, including that patients might keep important details to themselves, even with healthcare providers, especially when they’re traumatic. That brief glimpse into his life has made me humble when treating those serving our country. 

Hope for a Happier Life, Improved Health, and Less Pain

The VA recognizes chiropractic as an effective approach in many cases of MSI and typically covers the costs of care, including copays, for qualifying Veterans. 

Chiropractic is non-invasive and helps prevent further injury. No surgeries, no shots, not even a pill, mean that pain relief comes via natural methods. Veterans are at high risk of opioid dependence, and researchers have found that chiropractic can reduce the need for opioids by up to 32% in patients with chronic pain. Patients often see other improvements, including:

• Better balance and flexibility 
• Healthier nerves and soft tissues
• Increased mobility and range of motion
• Reduced joint stiffness
• Stronger muscle 

Caring for our Veterans should begin with appreciation for their service and end in gratitude for the opportunity to serve them in return.  

Read more about chiropractic care for Veterans and how to seek treatment using VA healthcare benefits.