C hronic, 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. For many, chronic pain unfortunately 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 main angles, one positive light is that chiropractic care lias been made available to all veterans and soldiers. The Prevalence of Pain in the Military According to Dr. Richard 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. 111 The regular demands and stress are often multiplied when the "tough it out" mentality docs not seek medical attention until serious, chronic pain results—and it often does. Cumulative stress, single-event trauma, and surgery arc all contributing factors. Although these will likely remain a constant of military sen ice, chiropractic care may be a very helpful solution. The Need for Alternative Treatments Painkiller use and abuse remains a problem for active-duty military and veterans. From 2001 to 2011. the use of opioids such as hydrocodonc 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, the use of opioid painkillers has been tied to 395 deaths since 2000. [2| Many of those tragedies occur with young people (in their 30s) who have young families. Chiropractic Care Is Available For all active-duty military and veterans, alternative, drug-free pain relief is available today. In a rare moment in Washington. DC. Congress and the president agreed on the value and benefits of chiropractic care by signing legislation to make it a permanent medical benefit for active-duty military and veterans. This has led to having a doctor of chiropractic at 60 military bases, and one at the United States Capitol. |3| Since 2004. chiropractic sen ices have been available at Veterans Health Administration medical facilities. [4J 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 that military personnel take advantage of chiropractic sen ices up to seven times more often than civilians. [5| While reducing stress can help prevent injury, chiropractic care has also been shown to address specific pain-related problems. Chiropractic Therapy for Back Pain Back pain, especially chronic back paia 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, ages 18-35. 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 US is not the only country utilizing chiropractic care for military back pain cither. The Canadian Armed Forces also offer chiropractic sen ices, and a survey among their military personnel found that more than 90% were satisfied with their own chiropractic sen ices. |8| Chiropractic Relieves 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, such as acupuncture, massage, yoga, and tai 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 nine 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 problems as well. This is great news because for our soldiers, front-line and otherwise, chronic pain can affect the entire body and it's often just part of the job. Have you ever carried a 60 to 100 lb pack every day? [11| Mam 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 without the side effects thai accompany prescription dnigs. Now tliat active-duty personnel have access to care, 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: Deal. Patricia. Carl R. Darnell Army Medical Center Public Affairs. Relief in sight forchronic 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 Chiroprac tic Care and VA/Mililary Facilities, (last accessed 2013-12-05 Lisi AJ. Goertz C. Lawrence DJ. Satyanarayana P. Charac teristics of Veterans Health Administration chiropractors and chiropractic clinics. J Rchabil Res Dcv. 2009:46(8):997-1002 Goertz C. Marriott BP. Finch MD. Bray RM. Williams TV. Hourani LL, Haddcn LS. Collcran HL. Jonas WB. Military report more complementary and alternative medicine use than Chilians. J Altcrn Complement Mcd. 2013 Jun;19(6):509-17. doi: 10.1089/acm.2012.0108. Epub 2013 Jan 16. Goertz CM. Long CR. Hondras MA. Petri R. Dclgado 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 (Pliila Pa 1976). 2013 Apr 15:38(8):627-34. doi: 10.1097/BRS.()b()13c3 1827733c7 Lall M. Chiropractic management of back pain. Ausl Fain Physician. 1983 May.l2(5):355-8. ► ("onliiwed on page 76 ► Continued from page 16 Boudrcau LA. Bussc JW. McBridc G. Chiropractic sen ices in the Canadian Armed Forces: a pilot project. Mil Mcd. 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, voga. Tai Chi, and Feldenkrais. Phys Mcd Rchabil Clin N Am. 2011 Aug:22(3):521-37. ix. doi: 10.l()16/j.pmr.2Ol 1.02.011. Dunn AS. Green BN. Fonnolo LR. Chicoine DR. Chiroprac tic 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 Scp 9. NPR. Weight Of War: Soldiers' Heavy Gear Packs On Pain, (last accessed 2013-12-12) Dr. Edward F. Group III founded Global Healing Center in 1998 and currently serves as Chief Executive Officer. At the forefront of the research and development team. Dr. Group assumes a hands-on approach to producing new and advanced degenerative disease products and information. Dr. Group has studied natural healing methods for over 20years and Global Healing Center Inc., has earned recognition as one of the largest alternative, natural, and organic health resources on the Internet. Contact Dr. Group at 713-476-0016 Ext. 222 or visit www.globalhealingcenter.com
