Chiropractic Care Plays Pivotal Role for U.S. Military Personnel.

Foundation for Chiropractic Progress lauds work of volunteer chiropractors, emphasizes need to accelerate, expand integration of chiropractic care into the VA health care system

CARMICHAEL, Calif. -- The Foundation for Chiropractic Progress, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to increasing public awareness of the benefits of chiropractic, points to the important role of chiropractic care in preparing active duty military personnel for tours of duty worldwide, especially in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as assisting reservists, retirees and eligible dependents in their quest for wellness. The Foundation points to the work of Colonel Mark C. Losack, D.C., U.S. Marine Corps, a licensed chiropractor who serves as an officer at the Marine Corps Base in Okinawa, Japan and volunteers his professional chiropractic services to colleagues.

"Chiropractic care is fundamental to the wellness of 27 million Americans*, and is especially valuable for service personnel who lead physically demanding and stressful lives," says Gerard W. Clum, D.C., president of Life Chiropractic College West, Hayward, California, and spokesperson for the Foundation. "Chiropractic care before, during and following military service is shown to alleviate chronic headaches, and address back injuries often associated with gear-related strain."

According to Colonel Losack, a native of Texas and graduate of Southern California University of Health Sciences, "Marines and sailors constantly come to me with cumulative trauma. Some take over-the- counter pain relievers to alleviate pain and improve daily functionality, but these only provide temporary relief and do not support long term health. While prescription medications offer other advantages, many individuals seek chiropractic care to help them achieve a level of wellness and physical fitness that medication cannot provide."

Colonel Losack, the son of a career Marine, does not officially serve as a chiropractor in the military and does not charge his colleagues a fee. However, he documents all visits and keeps meticulous records for those who request his services. During his time on active duty, which includes two deployments to Iraq and one to Pakistan, he has treated over 300 friends and colleagues, with multiple daily treatments for several who were preparing for combat.

According to a recent report from the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Office of Public health and Occupational Hazards, "Analysis of VA Health Care Utilization Among U.S. Southwest Asian War Veterans,' (November, 2006), 42.7 percent of veterans who sought VA health care after returning from duty in the Middle East or Southwest Asia were diagnosed with a musculoskeletal condition.

According to the report, "The three most common possible health problems of war veterans were musculoskeletal complaints (principally joint and back disorders), mental disorders, and 'Symptoms, Signs and Ill-Defined Conditions.'" Overall, 76, 986 veterans who sought VA health care received an ICD-9 diagnosis of "Diseases of Musculoskeletal System/Connective System" (710-739), making it the most common diagnosis among the subject population.

"Chiropractic helps to prepare combat and combat support personnel for the intense stress and physical strain that they endure during their time of service, as well as to help them achieve wellness when they return home from duty," adds Colonel Losack. "The threat of attack, unto itself, increases anxiety and is a constant impact on mental well being."

He cites the combat load, which can be as much as 80 pounds or more and contributes to the extreme strain on the body.

"This is especially taxing on our troops during long hours on patrol, since a typical load can contain a helmet, interceptor vest, ammunition, water, radio communication, weapons, and food," points out Dr. Losack. "Poor sleep, resulting from bedding conditions and severe fluctuations in temperature, also contribute to our warriors' musculoskeletal pain and misalignments of the spine. Chiropractic care is particularly valuable to these men and women, helping them to better cope with all aspects of combat - both physical and mental. When you feel better physically, you can handle mental aspects more successfully."

Congress has passed legislation requiring the Pentagon to conduct a study on providing chiropractic care to all members and former members of the Armed Forces, their families, and reservists. The legislation was included as a provision in HR 5122, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007, which passed the House on Sept. 29 and the Senate on Sep. 30, 2006. The study must be completed and submitted to Congress by March 31, 2008.

The Foundation for Chiropractic Progress supports all Americans in their quest for wellness. The Foundation's Health Seekers calendar is free and can be downloaded at www.foundation4cp.com, offering simple, fun and enjoyable action steps.

About F4CP 

The Foundation for Chiropractic Progress is a 501c6 corporation that represents a cross section of the chiropractic and vendor communities with the goal of increasing the public's awareness of the benefits of chiropractic. www.foundation4cp.org or call 916.359.0327.

*Results of a Gallup poll conducted in 2002