The Department of Veterans indicates there are around 19 million veterans in the United States. This number represents less than 10 percent of the U.S. population. From the rigorous training, deployments, and traveling, the brave men and women who have fought for this great country are susceptible to experiencing pain and stress. Luckily, the Veterans Health Administration recognizes the benefits of chiropractic care for veterans. This care is covered by the VA, which helps ensure that veterans receive the care and support they need to maintain their optimal health and well-being. Let’s take a look at the top benefits of chiropractic for veterans.
Why Chiropractic Care?
Veterans that receive chiropractic care are less likely to need drugs or invasive surgeries to address and treat their health concerns. Since chiropractic is an effective treatment to reduce a patient’s pain, this will also help reduce the need for pain-relief medications that can be unpleasant and addictive. To receive chiropractic care, veterans will need a referral from their primary care doctor. Since chiropractic care is a more cost-effective treatment compared to medication and surgery, it makes sense that the VA would recommend this to veterans.
Reduce Your Pain
Veterans suffering from pain have other options than pain medications and invasive treatments. Traditional doctors typically provide temporary solutions by prescribing medications that can become addictive. Chiropractors take a different approach by identifying the root source of the patient’s pain. Oftentimes, this pain is due to a spinal misalignment. Licensed chiropractors can perform gentle, safe adjustments designed to restore the spine back into proper alignment. When the spine is correctly aligned, patients generally notice a reduction or even removal of their pain. Indeed, veterans can achieve better health with less pain and discomfort due to their active lifestyles.
Improve Your Mobility
Another common issue that veterans experience is reduced mobility. This may be caused by aching or inflamed joints. Depending on the severity, this can cause a veteran to become immobile due to their chronic pain. Chiropractic care can help improve a patient’s range of motion, so they move more easily without restriction. Aside from receiving adjustments, a chiropractor may recommend specific exercises designed to help patients improve their range of motion and ability to stretch and move the body.
Reduce Your Stress Levels
Veterans experience high levels of stress, as they go to war, leave friends and family behind, frequently move to different military bases, and maintain intense training schedules. If veterans also experience chronic pain, this can lead to anxiety or depression. A chiropractor is highly trained at reducing patients’ pain and stress by addressing any misalignments in the body that interfere with the brain to body communications. When the brain to body communications are working properly, this can help the body heal itself. As veterans feel better, they will find it easier to better manage their stress levels.
Reduce Your Headaches
It’s common for veterans to experience tension headaches due to the pain and stress they experience throughout their bodies. A chiropractic adjustment can treat a patient’s pain, which will in turn reduce any headaches. Depending on the severity of the pain, veterans may no longer need to reach for over-the-counter drugs after their adjustment. Indeed, chiropractors can help remove patients’ tension in their head after an adjustment.
As you can see, there are several benefits of chiropractic care for veterans. Our brave men and women have other options than just medication and surgery that are effective, safe, and all-natural. It’s important to talk with your primary doctor to determine the best options for your specific health needs. If you are ready to start your journey towards better health and wellness, contact West Michigan Chiropractic today. We would love to become your new Portage chiropractors!