Chiropractic Care May Aid In The Treatment of Returning Veterans
Millions of brave American servicemen and women are returning home after their time abroad, to great joy and appreciation. It can be difficult to understand a veterans internal thought process upon returning home – they are probably happy and excited to see family and friends, and be back in their warm beds. But many veterans are having difficulties re-integrating into American life after spending a lengthy amount of time in a potentially violent location. Some of these people are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI) or other unique injuries.
Chiropractic doctors have been treating veterans for decades and offer this unique population an opportunity to promote optimum health and healing throughout the body, potentially easing symptoms of several different conditions. In addition to any emotional or neurological issues, many veterans report chronic pain throughout the musculoskeletal system. In fact, a recent study found that more than half veteran’s health care visits involve chronic pain in the back, shoulders or neck. It is hoped that chiropractic care will help promote recovery from this pain while also helping to treat symptoms of issues like PTSD.
Chiropractors are able to meet veterans’ unique needs by focusing on the nervous system, which flows through the entire body. A bulging disc in the back caused by an injury overseas can lead to problems elsewhere due to nerve pressure caused by the affected disc. Chiropractic doctors examine the spine for any vertebrae that are out place – including these painful bulged discs. The chiropractic will then correct any misalignments using gentle spinal manipulation techniques. This process will relieve nerve pressure and help to aid in the return of healthy blood flow. Nutrients will begin pumping back to the places in the body that may have been affected by the blockage. In this process, the patient will hopefully find reduced pain in the affected area while also finding relief from any concurrent symptoms of conditions such as PTSD.
Used under Creative Commons Licensing courtesy of Alisha Vargas
