For veterans, a visit to the chiropractor could bring relief from physical pain and anxiety. Over the next three years, researchers at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport will study the impact of chiropractic care on veterans with musculoskeletal disorders.
The school received a grant from the National Institutes of Health to study ways chiropractors can work with primary care physicians and mental health practitioners to treat veterans.
Dr. Christine Goertz says they suffer disproportionately from neck, spine, and back pain.
"A report in the JAMA Internal Medicine journal in June showed that about 44% of members of the us military have chronic pain after combat deployment as compared to 26% in the general public."
While chiropractic is over 100 years old, Goertz says research on the benefits of spine manipulation is relatively new.
"We've had some evidence for the last 20 years, but considering how long it can take--research, data to actually impact clinic practice, it's been a relatively short time."
As part of the three-year study, Goertzand her team will review current research on the benefits of chiropractic, interview physicians and mental health practitioners, and hold focus groups with veterans of all ages.
At the end of the study, some veterans will be recruited for a clinical trial.
