Military Veterans Get Relief From Neck Pain

By Francis Jo Perl


While the average US citizen may suffer pain in his or her neck, certain groups have more exposure to causes of this discomfort. Those who have served in the United States military are particularly susceptible and prone to injuries that contribute to neck and upper back pain. Doctors of Chiropractic are the health care professionals that military veterans of the United States can turn to for manipulation (often called "adjustments") of the neck vertebrae and cervical spine that can provide quick and long-lasting relief.

Pain of the neck and upper back can be caused by an unavoidable injury such as a whiplash-type injury arising from an aircraft or automobile accident. Service personnel of the military spend much of their time in vehicles of these types and when traveling through high-risk areas, an accident may occur. Though precious lives may not be lost, the people involved may suffer injuries including those that cause discomfort in the neck area. In addition to whiplash, resulting spinal misalignment, improper joint motion and subluxations of the cervical spine may be contributing factors.

Many military personnel spend their careers lifting heavy, bulky objects that if lifted improperly, can result in pain. Those who do desk job work and remain sedentary for long periods, may cradle telephone receivers on their shoulders, or have ergonomically incorrect workstations, causing awkward, strain may also experience neck pain. US service personnel are typically known for having excellent posture while on duty but during other times, they may, inadvertently, exhibit poor posture that leads to pain noted in the neck area. In many cases excessive repetitive neck motions caused by repeated routines can cause pain flare up.

If behaviors are not corrected and treatment is not rendered, the condition may worsen. Many veterans find themselves with pain years after they have retired from active service. Failure to completely rehabilitate from a military service injury can cause a lifetime of pain. The mere change from an active military lifestyle to the physical inactivity can cause pain to develop in the neck area.

Veterans may not be conscientious with the nutritional quality of their diets because they want to enjoy foods that were not available in the military. Improper dietary choices can have many consequences including physical bodily pain. Since it may not be apparent, mental stress is a commonly overlooked cause of pain of the neck. Stress manifests itself physically and pain in the body is a common symptom. Those suffering pain may not associate it with the mental stress years of service to the military, which may have involved traumatic experiences

A research study titled "Chiropractic Management for Veterans with Neck Pain," published in the October 2011 issue of the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, noted U.S. military veterans who averaged 50 years of age and received manipulative therapy for neck pain experienced a significant improvement. Veterans who are suffering from this type of pain should consider discussing their condition and potential causes with a doctor of chiropractic.

Since it is unlikely to be able to prevent all occurrences of neck pain during military service, treatment should be considered and available both during active duty and as a veteran. There is no reason to suffer with the physical consequences of a military lifestyle when effective, non-invasive, alternative health care treatment is available. Veterans receiving chiropractic care can experience quick relief and learn proper exercises and lifestyle habits.




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