Today, we’ll explore how spinal adjustments with chiropractic care can alleviate chronic back pain, a common issue for veterans due to service-related strain, with insights on DVA (Department of Veteran Affairs, Australia) coverage.
Veterans commonly develop back pain from the cumulative physical demands of service, including carrying heavy gear, repetitive lifting, and high-impact activities like running and jumping. This can cause muscle strain, disc damage and sciatica. Long periods in vehicles, poor sleeping conditions and unusual movements like aerial maneuvers also contribute to wear and tear on the spine, leading to chronic pain and even long-term disability.
Veterans may struggle with:
- Chronic Disability: Back injuries are a leading cause of disability in veterans, often resulting in lifelong pain.
- Functional Impairment: Chronic pain can interfere with daily activities, making it difficult to sit, stand, or carry out normal functions.
- Mental Illness: Some veterans with chronic back pain also experience symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Is DVA Chiropractic Care Beneficial to Veterans in Australia?
How Does Chiropractic Care Work?
This evidence-based approach aims to restore musculoskeletal function, improve mobility, and reduce pain by addressing muscle weakness, joint dysfunction and abnormal spinal loading. Many people with back pain find chiropractic care to improve their symptoms.
- Diagnosis and Treatment: Chiropractors diagnose and manage musculoskeletal conditions common in veterans, such as chronic back pain, neck stiffness and joint dysfunction.
- Spinal Manipulation: Hands-on techniques, like spinal adjustments and joint mobilisation, are used to relieve pain and restore movement.
- Active Rehabilitation: Prescribed exercises are used to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility and mobility, and support functional activities.
- Patient Education: Veterans learn about their condition, receive guidance on posture and ergonomics, and develop self-management strategies to prevent future issues.
How Can Veterans Access Chiropractic Care?
DVA-funded chiropractic care helps veterans manage chronic back pain through spinal manipulation, active rehabilitation exercises, patient education, and perhaps even other non-pharmacological therapies like acupuncture. First, however, they need to access this care.
These are the steps to take to receive chiropractic care as a veteran in Australia:
- DVA Eligibility: Holders of DVA Gold or White Cards may be eligible for fully funded chiropractic services.
- Referral: A referral from a GP is required to access chiropractic services under the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA). Visit your GP and talk to them about your options for accessing DVA funding.
- Patient Care Plan: A patient care plan is developed with the veteran, including treatment goals, the type and frequency of sessions and self-management strategies. This plan is shared with the GP to facilitate coordinated healthcare.
- Treatment Cycles: A referral typically lasts for a specific treatment cycle, and a new referral is needed from the GP to continue treatment. Chiropractic care is often ongoing, and works best when used over time to strengthen the body and continually alleviate pain.
Book in with Hawthorne Chiropractic
Would you like to explore how chiropractic care can help you manage your chronic back pain?
Dr Nicholas Armitage is a Brisbane chiropractor located in Hawthorne on Brisbane’s southside. Nicholas and the team at Hawthorne Chiropractic look forward to helping you find a new lease on life through specialist care. Dr Armitage is also a DVA Chiropractor and works with clients who have been in car accidents.
Chat to us today or visit our Brisbane clinic.
