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.