The men and women serving our country and fighting in wars often develop a wide range of physical and mental health difficulties to overcome after returning home and retiring. With today’s technology and information readily available to people, there are some alternative ways to treat the problems Veterans commonly face.
- Chiropractic Care: While this is a normal wellness care option offered to Veterans, many may not think to utilize it to take care of their musculoskeletal and back pain issues. Don’t let back pain and other body pains keep you from living the life you want after a career of service; talk to your chiropractor today and see what they can do for you.
- Yoga: As a new alternative care option offered by the Veterans Administration, yoga and meditation can do a lot for the pain and stress that veterans often experience. While the U.S Department of Veteran Affairs now lists yoga as a Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) option for PTSD, yoga and other forms of bodywork have been known to help veterans with back pain as well. With more veterans experiencing back pain according to this article, it is important to begin thinking outside the normal treatment options to seek relief after a career of service.
- Acupuncture: While the U.S Department of Veteran Affairs also names Acupuncture as CAM option for veterans with PTSD, acupuncture is also a fantastic aide for muscle and nerve pain. For veterans struggling to gain pain relief from the normal treatment options, acupuncture just might be the treatment that works. Talk with your VA doctor about any local acupuncturists available with your Veterans benefits.
- Local Resources: Check out any local resources for Veterans and see if something might be useful, interesting or helpful for you and your family. The University of Alaska Anchorage has a Military and Veterans Student Services with helpful community and student resources; you can check out their website Additionally, Alaska has some uplifting community Veteran support programs such as Alaska Healing Hearts and Project Healing Waters Alaska that offer alternative ways to overcome emotional and physical setbacks.
- Self Help Apps: If you have a smartphone or a tablet this list of Apps for Veterans for health and wellness might be pretty useful. From apps that help understanding your VA benefits, to apps that help you track weight loss and communicate with your family easier there are quite a few apps designed with Veterans and their families in mind.
