Last Updated: June 2026
Tension headaches and migraines, common among veterans, can be managed with chiropractic care supported by the DVA’s Gold and White Card programs.
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) covers chiropractic services for eligible cardholders with an assessed clinical need. Chiropractic care can help with head pain by restoring mobility, alleviating muscle tension, and improving nervous system function.
At Hawthorne Chiropractic, we help veterans relieve headache symptoms through our skilled practice.
How Does Chiropractic Care Help with Headaches?
- Spinal adjustments: Chiropractors perform adjustments to correct misalignments in the neck and upper back, which can relieve pressure on nerves and surrounding tissues that contribute to headaches.
- Restored nerve function: By correcting spinal misalignments, chiropractors aim to improve the communication between the nervous system and the body, which can decrease nerve irritation and pain signals to the brain.
- Muscle tension relief: Soft tissue therapy, such as massage and manual techniques, can alleviate muscle tightness in the neck and shoulders, a common headache trigger.
- Improved posture: Guidance on proper posture and ergonomics can help prevent future headaches caused by poor spinal alignment or strain.
- Varied approaches: Chiropractic care can be a part of a multidisciplinary plan to manage chronic pain, alongside other therapies like physiotherapy or exercise physiology.
Can Chiropractic Care Alleviate Headaches for Veterans in Australia?
How Quickly Does Chiropractic Care Work for Headaches?
Some people feel immediate relief from headaches after a chiropractic adjustment, while for others, it takes several sessions over a few weeks to notice improvements. The speed of results depends on the individual, the type and severity of the headache, and addressing the underlying cause, which may require a long-term treatment plan.
Important factors are the:
- Type and severity of headaches: Immediate relief might be more common for tension headaches, while migraines may require a more comprehensive, long-term approach.
- Underlying causes: The speed of relief depends on how quickly the chiropractor can address the specific cause of the headache, which can vary from person to person.
- Consistency: Regular chiropractic care and adjustments, combined with other therapies like exercise and stress management, can help achieve a long-term reduction in headaches.
Is Chiropractic Care Right for You?
Chiropractic care is only one type of treatment, and its effectiveness can vary from person to person. It’s often most effective for headaches with a musculoskeletal origin, such as those linked to neck and shoulder tension. Always consult with your chiropractor to determine if the treatment is right for your specific condition. If symptoms don’t improve after a few weeks of treatment, discuss other options with your chiropractor and GP.
How to Access DVA for Chiropractic Care as an Australian Veteran
The DVA funds chiropractic care for eligible clients with an assessed clinical need. This includes those with a Veteran Gold Card or a Veteran White Card, where the treatment is for an accepted service-related condition. A referral may be needed, and the chiropractor will provide an initial assessment and treatment plan. Start by contacting your GP to discuss the options available to you.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Headaches in veterans are most commonly caused by traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), severe sleep disorders, and exposure to environmental toxins like burn pits. Physical combat injuries, such as neck trauma and whiplash, also frequently trigger chronic primary headaches.
Chiropractic care is not a direct treatment for PTSD, but it serves as a valuable complementary therapy by helping to regulate the autonomic nervous system and alleviating the physical manifestations of trauma.
Yes, primarily by reducing musculoskeletal tension and easing stress on your nervous system. Many patients report that addressing neck and spinal alignment directly improves sleep patterns and lowers the frequency of their migraine attacks.
Chronic headaches are primarily caused by injuries that impact the head or neck. The most common culprits include traumatic brain injuries like concussions, neck trauma such as whiplash, and damage to the spine or blood vessels.