The use of chiropractic services in the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs has grown substantially since their introduction more than 10 years ago, according to a new study conducted by researchers from the VA Connecticut Healthcare System published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics.
The annual number of chiropractic visits has increased by nearly 700 percent, demonstrating more veterans have access to chiropractic care than ever before, according to the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress.
The study’s lead author was Anthony J. Lisi, director of the VA Chiropractic Program and chiropractic section chief at the VA Connecticut Healthcare System. Co-author was Dr. Cynthia A. Brandt, health services researcher at the VA Connecticut Healthcare System and professor at Yale University School of Medicine.
The study showed over 11 years:
â– The annual number of patients seen in VA chiropractic clinics increased by 821 percent.
â– The annual number of chiropractic visits grew by 693 percent.
â– The total number of VA chiropractic clinics climbed 9 percent annually, and the number of chiropractor employees increased by 21 percent annually.
â– 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.
VA chiropractic clinics saw a greater percentage of female and younger patients compared with the national VA outpatient population, consistent with the group of veterans from the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, which is known to have a high prevalence of musculoskeletal conditions, the study notes.
The authors also note that the growth in VA chiropractic use has occurred without additional laws mandating expansion. This suggests an increasing recognition of the value of chiropractic care in VA.
