US Department of Veteran's Affairs has offered chiropractic services as part of the standard medical benefits package for over 10 years.
A study conducted by the VA Connecticut Healthcare System, concluded that the use of chiropractic services and the chiropractic workforce in the VA has grown substantially since the introduction 10 years ago.
Source: (Businesswire.com)
Among the findings, the study showed that:
■ The annual number of patients seen in VA chiropractic clinics increased by 821 percent.
■ The annual number of chiropractic visits grew by 693 percent.
■ The total number of VA chiropractic clinics climbed 9 percent annually, and the number of chiropractor employees increased by 21 percent annually.
■ The average VA chiropractic patient is male, between the ages of 45 and 64, is seen for low back and/or neck conditions, and receives examination, chiropractic spinal manipulation and other health care services.
Doctors of chiropractic (DCs) – who receive a minimum of seven years of higher level education – provide non-operative management of conditions such as headaches, back pain, neck pain, or pain in joints, via a comprehensive approach including manual techniques and active rehabilitation. Chiropractic services are integrated with primary care, specialty clinics and rehabilitation, and provide a non-pharmacologic option for pain management, as well as general health and wellness concerns.