Survey: Veterans Want and Would Use Chiropractic
A recent report in the Chiropractic community news shed light on the fact that the Veteran’s Administration (VA) is moving in the direction of increasing Chiropractic services to those who have served our country in the military.
Following on its heals, a new survey shows that the forward thinking of this, the largest single provider network of healthcare services in the United States, is definitely justified. By a good majority, Veterans surveyed reported that they would use Chiropractic services if they were available to them in their VA hospital.
The study queried 264 veterans on their interest in using Chiropractic treatment, plus sought their input on additional types of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM).
The survey found back pain to be the most frequently reported medical problem among veterans with 62.5% indicating discomfort in the area. However, only onefourth (26%) of the patients responding had made use of Chiropractic treatments to alleviate pain.
What the study revealed in the way of current pain handling was this disturbing fact: Prescription drugs are the pain handling solution of choice for medical problems in 76.9% of the cases.
However, veteran interest in finding alternative means of pain handling was very high. Respondents said, by a 67% margin, that they would use Chiropractic and other CAM options if these were provided by the VA.
Researchers concluded that the strong interest shown in Chiropractic and alternate forms of treatment should lead the VA to provide additional types of therapies to veterans.
They urged the VA to do further assessment of veteran needs and respond accordingly.