DVA-eligible veterans have access to chiropractic care for service-related musculoskeletal issues, focusing on manual therapy, adjustments, and exercises for mobility. At Hawthorne Chiropractic, we highly recommend utlising DVA to gain 12 sessions yearly at no cost to you.

In this blog, we’ll discuss why chiropractic care is important for veterans, particularly with joint pain, and what to know about accessing your DVA benefits to get this kind of treatment.

Is DVA Funded Chiropractic Care a Key to Minimising Veteran Joint Pain?

Why Do Veterans Need Chiropractic Care?

Veterans often need chiropractic care due to their specific experiences and needs:

• High Incidence of Musculoskeletal Pain: Intense training, heavy gear and combat experiences lead to chronic back pain, joint dysfunction and reduced mobility.
• Non-Invasive, Drug-Free Approach: Chiropractic treatments like spinal manipulation and exercises alleviate pain without drugs, reducing risks associated with opioids and other medications.
• Improved Mobility and Function: Adjustments restore proper joint alignment, easing stiffness and allowing veterans to perform daily activities more easily. This moves beyond pain management and towards functional restoration.
• Holistic Pain Relief: Chiropractic care addresses the root cause of pain, reducing inflammation and nerve irritation. This can also decrease tension headaches and migraines.
• Mental Health Co-morbidity: Chronic pain often coexists with PTSD, anxiety and depression. By easing physical pain, chiropractic care improves overall well-being and mood.

Chiropractic care offers a path to functional recovery and better quality of life for veterans struggling with service-related pain and its impacts, including:

• Chronic lower back pain
• Neck pain and stiffness
• Inflamed or aching joints
• Tension headaches 

How Does Chiropractic Care Help Veterans?

Veterans choose chiropractic care for joint pain because it offers a non-invasive approach to managing chronic musculoskeletal pain from service, improving mobility, reducing opioid reliance and addressing the root causes of discomfort. In short, it leads to better overall function and well-being.

It’s effective for conditions like back/neck pain, stiffness, and headaches, helping veterans avoid medication and surgery while restoring movement through spinal adjustments, exercises and physical therapies.

Chiropractic care is different in that it: 

• Treats Musculoskeletal Issues: Addresses neck/back pain, headaches, sciatica, stiffness and joint issues from service (trauma, heavy loads, confined spaces).
• Uses Manual Therapy: Involves spinal manipulation, joint mobilisation, massage and exercises to improve mobility and posture.
• Covers Specific Conditions: Focuses on the musculoskeletal system, including joints, muscles and the nervous system. 

Chiropractic care for joint pain relief uses hands-on techniques, primarily spinal and joint manipulation. It helps restore movement, reduce inflammation and alleviate pain by correcting musculoskeletal imbalances. Treatment often incorporates massage, exercises and lifestyle advice for a holistic approach to improve function and overall well-being. Treatment involves:

• Spinal Adjustments: Restore proper joint movement and nerve function.
• Rehabilitation Exercises: Build strength and improve posture.
• Education: Teaches self-management for better long-term control. 

How to Access DVA Chiropractic Benefits

At first glance, you may be concerned it’ll be difficult to access your chiropractic benefits. Don’t worry, it’s not too much effort – it only requires knowing your card type and obtaining the right GP referral.

For Gold Card Holders:

1. Get a Referral: You need a referral from a GP, specialist or hospital doctor.
2. Book Appointment: Inform the chiropractic clinic you’re a Gold Card holder when booking.
3. Enjoy Coverage: Gold Card covers all approved chiropractic care. 

For White Card Holders:

1. See Your GP: Get a referral for chiropractic treatment for your specific accepted condition.
2. Clinic Steps: Tell the clinic you’re a DVA patient with a referral; they’ll assess you and bill DVA directly.
3. Treatment Cycles: Referrals cover up to 12 sessions or 1 year (whichever comes first), requiring a new referral for renewals. 

What Should Veterans Expect Chiropractic Care to Look Like?

Once you’ve booked in with a chiropractor, given your referral, and mentioned that you’re a DVA card holder, expect the following:

• Assessment: A chiropractor will perform a thorough examination, potentially using X-rays, to find the cause of your pain.
• Personalised Plan: Treatments are tailored to your specific needs, aiming to restore function and provide lasting relief.
• Starting Adjustments: The chiropractor will begin your treatment plan with the adjustments and massages they believe will best lead you to recovery over your sessions.
• Beyond Adjustments: They might make lifestyle recommendations or refer you to other specialists if needed, recognising chiropractic care as part of a broader health system. 

Key Things to Know

• Clinical Need: An assessed clinical need for the service is required.
• GP is Key: Your GP manages the allied health referral process and treatment cycles.
• Direct Billing: Most DVA-accepting clinics bill DVA directly.
• MyService: You can manage claims and check status online via the MyService portal. 
• No Out-of-Pocket: Approved services are gap-free for eligible veterans.
• Referral Validity: Referrals generally last for 12 sessions or one year, requiring renewal.
• Treatment Cycles: Your GP determines ongoing treatment needs (e.g., 12-session cycles).

Care in the Right Hands

Veterans in Brisbane are welcome to get in touch with Hawthorne Chiropractic to discuss how we can help you on your path to recovery. We address service-related musculoskeletal issues like back/neck pain using DVA-funded care. We understand unique veteran needs, from combat strain to modern lifestyle effects, making us a great choice for managing joint pain. If you need help understanding how to access chiropractic care through the DVA, we can help walk you through it and get your sessions booked in. Trust your local experienced clinic for the right care.

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.

Hawthorne Chiropractic is easily accessible for residents in Hawthorne and surrounding areas like Cannon Hill, Carina Heights, and Bulimba.