VA’s whole health approach to care connects patients with other services and helps with physical, psychological, social, and economic factors that impact wellbeing.
A new research study by the Minneapolis VA Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research (CCDOR) finds that complementary and integrative health therapies delivered through VA and through community care both offer potentially effective means of reducing chronic pain.
“We wanted to learn which chronic pain therapies work for Veterans and in which settings they work better. We also wanted to help inform Veterans when choosing where to seek out treatment,” said Collin Calvert, core investigator and statistician.
Overall, the research team found that VA acupuncture and chiropractic had a stronger beneficial relationship with pain than community care acupuncture and chiropractic, while conversely community care medical massage therapy had a stronger beneficial relationship than VA medical massage therapy. Also of note, extrapolating to 12 visits of acupuncture therapy at VA resulted in clinically meaningful improvements in pain interference.
While findings may demonstrate that VA does some things better than community care, and vice versa, this almost certainly depends on who is going to which facility, the comparability of people who tend toward VA and community care, and the quality of care across clinics.
Whole Health to manage pain
Because VA uses a whole health approach to care rather than focusing just on a single chief complaint or health problem, patients may be connected with other services and receive help with physical, psychological, social and economic factors that impact wellbeing.
“Research contributes to VA health care delivery by identifying effective treatments and determining the best ways to deliver these treatments and services to Veterans,” said Dr. Steven Fu, director, Minneapolis VA CCDOR.
The study, Complementary and Integrative Health Therapies and Pain: Delivery Through Veterans Affairs and Community Care, was published in the Global Advances in Integrative Medicine and Health last month.
If you are interested in learning more about what options are available to help manage your pain, please schedule an appointment with your provider.
This article was originally published on the VA Minneapolis Health Care System site and has been edited for style and clarity.
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Your body and brain need relief, and acupressure is right at your fingertips!
I live with my pain every day and see no relief in sight . I will consider any therapies you could recommend .
Acupuncture treatment is the only time my pain level is reduced from a steady 4or6/10 as long as the needles are in. When they are removed the pain immediately returns. Wish I could walk around with the needles permanently in. I have a piece of shrapnel stuck in my neck next to my spinal nerve.
Can acupuncture help alleviate peripheral neuropathy caused by a pinched nerve caused by a lumbar herniated disc.
I learned while still on active duty that acupuncture worked for me. After I retired I found a Chinese doctor with a rate of $60. per visit. For 4-5 years I was treated by him. Through his treatment I was removed from taking Morphine for my back pains. The dose was reduced a little bit at a time until I was taken completely off. Then he informed me that I needed to find another Doctor, because he was retiring. I called my present doctor and when she told me her price, I informed her that I could not afford her price. That’s when she informed me that the VA had a plan and that she was registered with the VA. She so for the last 2-3 years I have been using the VA program. The only complaint I have, is that the VA only approves 8 visit at a time. Then you to start over again, going through my doctor to get a consult, then have another department approve the treatment. That is a hassle. It should establish and with no restrictions. It is acupuncture a treatment that is needed.
I’ve tried the shots, the RDF, now acupuncture for my back. Acupuncture works , its not a forever relief but it helps for a week. I only get 8 referals then have to try to get more. I’ve paid out of pocket several months before VA community service sends more. This needs to be corrected. If acupuncture helps let vets have as needs, stop with the referals. Stop trying to get us to go to VA hospital for it, as it is too far to drive. Vets get older and driving is not something we all do well. Driving into Atlanta is a huge PTSD trigger point, as the traffic is a night mare.
I have chronic pain due to Neuropathy and I’m 73 yrs old. I don’t know if my pain is due to a motorcycle accident I had in 1983 in which I suffered a T6 spinal cord fracture. Some days are worse than others. I have digestive issues also & I feel that’s also a symptom caused by my accident. I have a few days where I don’t suffer as much but it seems like it’s always something. It can wear you down but I try to stay busy either mentally physically or both, but most days I feel defeated because I’m fearful if I lift to much or work to hard that I’ll pay for it later with the pain.
Why does the VA print these lies. I’ve been offered no alternative pain management, I’ve been on morphine for over 20 years. All the while, I give them a piss test for drug screen, that’s so they can make sure I’m not selling my medication, trust is such a great thing. I hate the fact that my chronic pain is not being managed, just that morphine is being belatedly given to me, often times late, due to an procedure issue. If the VA were a better alternative, many of us would place our trust there. I do know that there are great VA’s elsewhere in the country and that greatness comes from staff. I do have a great primary care doctor and her nurses are good too, but the rest of the gang, what a waste of money the government has here. If during the shutdown, you fired 80% of the admin staff at DORN in Columbia SC that would be a great start.
I second this motion by Michael B. please strongly consider stem cell therapy. Studies are showing great results, not 100%, but neither is acupuncture. I second this motion by Michael B. In addition, please consider authorizing the use of Lifewave Patches
You don’t mention pain medications. Why not? Now you are down on drugs these days. I have a number of painful problems and the only thing that works is opiates. You are down on them, so I have to get some other types of drugs from private source. I am not going to drive 40 miles for 20 minutes of therapy.
I have had active duty injuries in the 1970s and in the 1991 Gulf War. I have been dealing with pain on and off for years between treatments.
For my neuropathy in my foot, duloxetine really worked for me. Two complete hip replacements, and I am walking again without even a cane.
For my back injuries, only my chiropactor and massage therapist keep me walking without pain. The only real problem I have left after 50 years of pain is my shoulders, which are now bone on bone. If not for the chiropactor and massage therapist who are community-based, I would not be able to use my arms from the pain. The VA did an excellent job on my hip replacements. This is what has helped me. I have not found a good acupuncturist as of yet.
Chronic pain programs do not work.
gummies for pain are the best. And no grogginess
Having back and neck surgery I have been in constant pain for years. Only after the VA sent me to a chiropractor for adjustments and acupuncture I have experienced an almost complete pain free back and neck. After taking pain meds for over thirty years I am now taking one Tylenol at night.
I had no choice I was told the Acupuncture or rather 5he VA have limited Acupunctures on staff therefore I am greatful for the community care and the VA staff working together.
I tell you from experience. That the Va acupuncture sucks, they don’t go through the schooling that my acupuncturist did. I struggled with severe chronic back pain for 40 yrs. Service connected. Last year I thought I would try acupuncture. Went to the Buffalo va. And the actually made my pain worse. Went through community care and my acupuncturist had me almost completely out of pain ( 2visits). Now I go once a week for over a year and my pain is way better. If someone can find a great acupuncturist, I recommend going that way.
I had 3 places on my neck that VA did Cofdezon. About 10 years ago the VA got a Nerse who had Dry Needel Theripi training. She did Dry needed on my neck and gave me some exersizes. No trouble for last 10 years. I asked her were she got training . UNIVERSITY Nevada ,Las Vegas.
I was diagnosed through the Birmingham, AL. VAMC, about 10 years ago, with nerve damage lower back right side. Also at other VAMC’s, as having Scoliosis, in the middle of my back. Then to, bone spurs, in my neck and shoulders. I’ve not been in constant pain in all these years. However, it seems that the VAMC’s and civilian facilities, over the years have done all they could for pain relief. To include acupuncture, and chiropractic care. Perhaps, there’s nothing else, that can be done for the pain. Especially the back pain that has now become constant.
I asked my PC doctor she said there was nauthung she could do
I’m a veteran with a long history of chronic pain. I have (benign) tumors on most levels of my spine, after 8 neurosurgeries, I have been using a myriad of medications to treat the pain. After years of heavy PRESCRIPTION pain medication use what are the chances you can effectively treat my pain?
I served in gulf storm Navy two tours 1990 1991 breaking my back in Bahrain on second tour was shipped back to Pearl Harbor Hawaii I have many symptoms of gulf War illness having chronic pain for the past 15 years and in the last five years the neuropathy leg and foot pain has come on like hellfire having to quit my career as a journeyman Elevator constructor for 26 years and not being able to hold a steady job because of my attitude problems in the recent years my house was foreclosed on I have absolutely no credit
So why don’t all these VA doctors work together and come up with a diagnosis I can see all the stuff that the VA post about gulf war illness I’ve been jumping around in the VA departments for 15 years seeing the same doctors getting worse these people can’t get together and put a diagnosis on what I know I have it’s like they just hope you die before they have to deal with you just keep jumping around bouncing around I’m just sick and tired of it
But back to the subject I would like to find out more and how to get treatment for this debilitating chronic pain it somehow I’m supposed to as it just gets worse and worse and worse do some kind of mind over matter Jedi mind F**k on myself to deal with it I can’t no more it’s getting so bad but yet I sit out here in Waller my wife’s paycheck just covers the rent my measly $2200 a month from the VA doesn’t cover groceries utilities phone cars and nobody gives two shits it’s just sickening how I got to go and work at the food shelf so I can get food with my chronic pain I don’t know if this is a common story of the VA treats its veterans but it’s gotta end sorry for bitching
If you really cared about my pain therapy you would PULL MY TOOTH. But no, instead I can’t afford it and now half to go through life with a tooth spit in half and nobody that will pull it for me. I can’t afford the $500.00 you want to do it so I’m stuck. But sure, go ahead and stick needles in people to relieve THEIR pains.
I have had chronic back pain since my combat tour of duty in Iraq (2004) since then I’ve had both physical therapy with acupuncture and message therapy, both worked fairly well alone, but were not completed together as I had requested from my pain coordinator, then Community Care funding was cut from my therapy and I was given stretching exercise and prescribed Lidocaine patches to relieve my chronic back pain. Which is not effective at all.
Information for your decision making.
VA, please strongly consider stem cell therapy. Studies are showing great results, not 100%, but neither is acupuncture.
I second this motion by Michael B. please strongly consider stem cell therapy. Studies are showing great results, not 100%, but neither is acupuncture. I second this motion by Michael B. In addition, please consider authorizing the use of Lifewave Patches
I have had lower back pain, I’ve been to neurologists and they had the same conclusion that surgery would only worsen the pain. I live close to the border of a state that allows recreational marijuana. I can’t bring it across the border to my state without the risk of being arrested.
Being a federal offense would cause persecution I can’t afford so I find a hotel and self administer with enormous relief. However, being expensive and occupying so much time, it’s difficult. Moving isn’t an option.
All I ever received from the VA in Hampton VA for pain management is drugs. No massage, chiropractic care, acupuncture, etc.
Went overseas. Received chiropractic care, massages, actual physical therapy, botox injections treatment, Hyaluronic acid injection treatment, all in civilian community care for my service connected disabilities.
Unfortunately, because of forty years of drug therapy and my current age, my improvements are limited. But, I can tell if I had this treatment at the Hampton VA in the USA I would have had a much improved standard of living with my service connected disabilities since leaving active duty.
I’m going into the hospital this coming week again for continued therapy. I do it every 4 to 6 months.
It’s a joke the whole system. Manage shit
Same as most, crippling back injury while deployed, along with other issues. Been jumping through fire woops like seal since the 90s. My healthcare provider actually called the police on me for referencing screws in the back of Luigi Mantronis exray, when that didn’t work she called the VA suicide hot line. The damage is done, the pain is real and we ,us veterans, are only important to staff when we’re no longer on the rolls. That’s a win! THE WALLS ARE THIN AT THE VA! Now after a year of trying to get a sore on my head looked at, it’s skin cancer. First round of chemo cream didn’t work. I have to wait another 32 days for the next appointment. They know what they’re doing. The VA as a employer gives the employees the best healthcare possible. We veterans aren’t entitled to that expense. You seriously can’t make this up! Why not get your healthcare WHERE YOU GIVE IT?
Joke. Pittsburgh VA Transportation cancelled my trip to the Cleveland Clinic the day before my appointment stating that they no longer go to Cleveland. This was for a second opinion based on a sketchy cancer diagnosis. NO ONE CARED and they still do not!!!!!
On August 9th 2021 I had a traumatic fall while doing Physical therapy at the Jacksonville, Florida Va.outpatient clinic. From the fall I received a right shoulder rotator cuff tear, a torn. quad in my left knee, a mild to moderate Traumatic Brain Injury, nerve damage on the right side of my face, right side hip strain and slight hearing loss in my right ear. I tried acupuncture but it only made me pain free for maybe a week and a half. The VA. Has did nothing for my injuries. I have been dealing with Chronic pain since August of 2021. The VA has just tossed me in the dumpster like trash and has not taken responsibility for my injuries. I need another method to deal with this chronic pain before something serious happens to me.
Sure would be nice if the Cleveland VA would be willing to allow me to utilize medical massage for my chronic pain. I have shown that it helps me and I have been fortunate enough to be able to pay out of pocket, but I should not have to. I have chiropractic care.
I have a very severe case of Lumbar degeneration. Along. with assorted problems with the rest of my spine. All documented by MRI’s, CT Scans and X-rays. This has been going on since Jan 1987. In the 90’s, before common sense left the medical fields, it was nice to be able to take a prescription pill during the bad spells. Now, the only time I can get a prescription, is when I am carried via ambulance to an ER. And that is only for a few days. I have been through the Physical Therapy at the VA-Less than a week after completing the 8 week? sessions, I ended up being taken to an ER. I also get Kidney Stones from time to time. You can try and trick my mind and body into believing the pain is all in my head. It doesn’t work. The worst of it is the ER people. I am always looked at as a drug addict who wants a fix. Untill an MRI is taken for the back or a Pee test(For Blood) and a CT Scan for Kidney stones-I am watched to see if I am having withdraw symptons. The only thing good that has come out of this-is my disdain, along with not caring a damm, about drug addicts.
Hi John,
Reading your story brings back memories of one particular hospital stay I had. Went to a community hospital, once admitted, I was in pretty severe pain. I finally asked for something to take the edge off the pain. The house doctor asked why I was in so much pain. I ran down my pain story, I got that look like I was a drug seeker. He told me there was no way I was getting any prescription meds, after a couple more hours he checked back in on me and I was practically shaking from the pain. He finally asked who treated my pain. He still seemed skeptical as he left. He comes back again asking for the doctor who was giving me such a strong dose of dilaudid. Again he left. We’re about 6 hours now in pretty bad pain. A nurse comes in with a good dose of iv medication. I said “I guess he found out I wasn’t a lying sack of crap”. She basically said nothing. I asked her if she’d ask him to come back in, never saw that a-hole again
Sorry for the long reply. I hope you are doing well.
Peace
Hi Charlie-Your “lying sack of crap” hit the nail on the head. I usually hear there was a mix up in the meds and that was the reason for the delay. Was actually carried out of the hospital ER one time, when I had kidney stones. Two very large nurses deposited me outside the door and stood guard so I could not get back in. Am 73 now. Never get my neighbors to take me anymore. Always go by ambulance now. To many bad memories. Best of luck to you.
I have suffered from Chronic pain for over 45 yrs. from a serious back injury I suffered while serving, I’ve had 3 Major back surgeries and have have enough metal in my back I could support the Golden Gate Bridge ??- I have been through PT, acupuncture, and almost every medication known to man, matter of fact PT was put me under the knife the 3 time. I use a very low dose (10mg. IR Oxycodone) and refuse to accept anything higher or stronger for my Provider, which kind of puts a very puzzled face on them when they hear me describe my pain tolerance, But I have taught myself other ways to truly deal w/my pain and its severity. What I really wish is that the FDA,DEA, and every other Government agency that LOVES to give people who are addicted to the opioid(s) truly would respect what works for patients, We are not allowed to use “Medical Cannabis” which I’m sure would also help a lot of us too. I’m NOT saying I could come completely stop the opioids but it definitely could aide with other methods to bring people off it.