The use of chiropractic services in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system has seen a steep rise over more than a decade, according to recently published research.

The study’s authors, who analyzed VA national data collected between 2004 and 2015, discovered an increase of more than 800 percent in the number of patients receiving the services of doctors of chiropractic. While authors attribute the increase to a natural growth of the chiropractic services provided, which was only implemented on-site at the VA in 2004, they also suggest it may be attributed to the successful performance of VA chiropractors and the perceived value of their care, among other factors. Key findings from the study show that:

• the annual number of patients seen in VA chiropractic clinics increased by 821 percent
• the annual number of chiropractic visits increased by 694 percent
• the total number of chiropractic clinics grew from 27 to 65 (9 percent annually)
• the number of chiropractor employees rose from 13 to 86 (21 percent annually)
• female and younger patients received chiropractic care at VA clinics at a greater rate than the national VA outpatient population.

Doctors of chiropractic—often referred to as chiropractors or chiropractic physicians— practice a hands-on, drug-free approach to health care that includes patient examination, diagnosis and treatment primarily of disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system, and the effects of these disorders on general health. Chiropractors have broad diagnostic skills and are also trained to recommend therapeutic and rehabilitative exercises, as well as to provide nutritional, dietary and lifestyle counseling.

Presented as a service to the community by: Union County Chiropractic Clinic, 110 Skyline Drive, Maynardville, TN (865) 992-7000 www.unioncountychiropractic.com.