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Multiple U.S. military bases are slated to have their chiropractic services restored this year, benefiting upwards of 400 active-duty or Guard/Reserve service members per base.
This is due to an amendment to the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that was introduced by House Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL) and ultimately passed both chambers of Congress, calling for the reopening of any previously closed chiropractic clinic on a military installation in addition to paying chiropractors under the General Schedule base pay scale.
The amendment calls for the director of the Defense Health Agency to develop and submit a report on the process to the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate, no later than March 26, 2026. Language in the amendment, initially approved by the House in September, mirrors that of the Floyd D. Spence National Defense Authorization Act which in 2001 established chiropractic benefits as part of the broader Department of Defense health care framework.
“I introduced this amendment because our troops and veterans deserve more choices when it comes to their health care, starting with preserving and restoring access to chiropractic services,” Steube told Military.com. “There is no excuse to shortchange our troops and veterans on care when there are options available that can ease their pain and improve their quality of life.
“I am grateful that my provision will ensure our warriors can better access holistic health care options and receive the relief they deserve.”
Improvements are expected to occur at a minimum of six military bases. Their locations have not yet been disclosed.
The Various Benefits of Chiropractic Care
The benefits of chiropractic care for military members have been pontificated for years, being utilized by members still in service as well as veterans who seek both physical and mental help.
These are services that can be provided by clinics or hospitals, made possible through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and through programs overseen by TRICARE. Chiropractors can have copious impacts on service members of all backgrounds, in areas including physical pain, injuries or stress.
The services, part of the standard VA medical package and accessible with a referral from a VA primary care provider, can also treat other issues including headaches, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), posture, flexibility and sleep deprivation.
Previous reporting by Military.com found that about a quarter of U.S. service members and veterans who start psychotherapy for PTSD quit before their treatments’ conclusion, reinforcing calls for more effective long-term approaches.
A 2018 study published in the peer-reviewed medical journal JAMA involved four-year clinical trials at multiple U.S. military sites, finding that adding chiropractic care to routine medical care resulted in moderate short-term improvements in low back pain intensity and disability in active-duty military personnel. It was the broadest study conducted at the time of evaluating the benefits of chiropractors to service members.
The findings also showed that additional support in this area acts as a component of multidisciplinary health care for low back pain.
“We thank Rep. Steube for his foresight to tackle this issue, and we also acknowledge House and Senate negotiators who kept the bulk of his amendment in the final package,” John Falardeau, American Chiropractic Association (ACA) senior vice president of public policy and advocacy, said in a statement.
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46 Comments
The fact that chiropractors can have a significant impact on service members’ physical and mental well-being, including treating headaches, posture, and sleep deprivation, makes this amendment a crucial step forward.
I’m curious to know how the Defense Health Agency plans to measure the effectiveness of chiropractic care in treating PTSD and other conditions, and whether they will conduct any studies or research on the topic.
I’m curious to know how the Defense Health Agency will ensure that the chiropractors working on military bases are qualified and meet the necessary standards, and whether they will establish any new training programs or certifications.
The article highlights the importance of providing alternative approaches to health care, such as chiropractic services, which can be particularly effective in treating conditions like PTSD and physical pain.
The deadline for the director of the Defense Health Agency to submit a report on the process to the Committee on Armed Services is March 26, 2026, which should provide more insight into the implementation of chiropractic services on military bases.
The article highlights the various benefits of chiropractic care, including treating physical pain, injuries, and stress, which is essential for service members who often face unique physical and mental challenges.
I’m skeptical about the effectiveness of chiropractic care in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as the article mentions that about a quarter of U.S. service members and veterans who start psychotherapy for PTSD quit before their treatments’ conclusion.
I’m interested in learning more about the role of TRICARE in providing access to chiropractic care for service members and veterans, and how this amendment will impact the program.
TRICARE has been providing chiropractic care benefits since 1992, and this amendment should expand access to these services for more military personnel.
It’s interesting to note that the Department of Veterans Affairs and TRICARE have already recognized the benefits of chiropractic care, making it part of the standard VA medical package and accessible with a referral from a VA primary care provider.
The fact that the language in the amendment mirrors that of the Floyd D. Spence National Defense Authorization Act, which established chiropractic benefits in 2001, suggests that there is a long-standing recognition of the importance of chiropractic care in the military.
I’m excited to see the potential benefits of this amendment for service members and veterans, and I hope that it will lead to a reduction in the number of personnel who quit psychotherapy for PTSD before completing their treatment.
I’m glad to see the emphasis on holistic health care options, including chiropractic services, as part of the military’s healthcare framework, as it recognizes the interconnectedness of physical and mental health.
Rep. Steube’s statement that ‘there is no excuse to shortchange our troops and veterans on care’ resonates deeply, as it emphasizes the need for comprehensive healthcare options, including chiropractic services, for those who serve and have served.
The article mentions that the services provided by chiropractors can be accessed with a referral from a VA primary care provider, which highlights the importance of integrated care and collaboration between different health care professionals.
I’m concerned that the amendment may face challenges in implementation, and I hope that the Defense Health Agency will work closely with stakeholders to ensure a smooth rollout of the new services.
I’m supportive of Rep. Steube’s efforts to provide more health care options for military personnel, and I believe that this amendment will have a positive impact on the lives of service members and veterans.
The amendment’s focus on preserving and restoring access to chiropractic services is a crucial step in providing military members with more choices in their healthcare, as Rep. Steube noted.
This is particularly important for those who may not respond well to traditional medical approaches and need alternative options.
Rep. Greg Steube’s amendment to the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act is a significant move, as it not only reopens previously closed chiropractic clinics but also ensures chiropractors are paid under the General Schedule base pay scale.
Rep. Greg Steube’s statement that ‘there is no excuse to shortchange our troops and veterans on care’ resonates with me, and I hope that this amendment will lead to a significant improvement in the quality of life for military personnel.
The fact that the amendment was introduced by Rep. Greg Steube and passed both chambers of Congress demonstrates a bipartisan commitment to supporting the health and well-being of military personnel.
The potential impact of this amendment on service members’ mental health, particularly in reducing PTSD and stress, cannot be overstated, and it’s crucial that we continue to support and expand these services.
By providing more comprehensive healthcare options, we can better support the well-being of our troops and veterans.
The amendment’s focus on restoring access to chiropractic services on military bases is a recognition of the importance of preventive care and holistic approaches to health, which is essential for maintaining the well-being of service members.
The fact that chiropractors will be paid under the General Schedule base pay scale is a significant development, as it recognizes the value of their services and ensures they are fairly compensated.
This move should help attract and retain more chiropractors to work on military bases, ultimately benefiting service members.
As someone who has experienced the benefits of chiropractic care firsthand, I’m heartened to see the military taking steps to provide this essential service to its members, and I hope it leads to better health outcomes for our troops.
The benefits of chiropractic care for military members, as discussed in the article, are a testament to the importance of this amendment and the need for a more holistic approach to healthcare in the military.
It’s crucial that we continue to support and expand access to chiropractic services for our troops and veterans.
The language of the amendment, which mirrors that of the Floyd D. Spence National Defense Authorization Act, highlights the importance of chiropractic benefits in the broader Department of Defense health care framework.
This amendment is a significant step forward in recognizing the value of chiropractic care for military members and veterans.
I’m concerned that the locations of the six military bases where improvements are expected to occur have not yet been disclosed, and I hope that the Defense Health Agency will prioritize bases with the greatest need for chiropractic services.
I agree, transparency is crucial in this process, and the agency should release the list of bases as soon as possible to ensure accountability.
I’m curious to know which six military bases will be the first to see improvements in their chiropractic services, and how this will impact the overall health and well-being of service members.
The locations of the bases have not been disclosed yet, but it’s expected to benefit upwards of 400 active-duty or Guard/Reserve service members per base.
The reinstatement of chiropractic services on US military bases is a step in the right direction, especially considering the benefits of chiropractic care for military members, including relief from physical pain, injuries, and stress.
It’s about time, our troops deserve the best healthcare options available, including holistic approaches like chiropractic care.
Chiropractic care can have a significant impact on service members’ quality of life, particularly in areas such as posture, flexibility, and pain management, making its reinstatement on military bases a welcome development.
I’m skeptical about the timeline for implementing these changes and ensuring that all eligible service members have access to chiropractic care, given the complexity of the military’s healthcare system.
The fact that about a quarter of U.S. service members and veterans who start psychotherapy for PTSD quit before completion reinforces the need for alternative approaches like chiropractic care, which can help with PTSD, headaches, and sleep deprivation.
The amendment to the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, introduced by Rep. Greg Steube, is a significant step towards providing holistic health care options to military personnel, and I’m curious to know how the director of the Defense Health Agency plans to develop and submit the report by March 26, 2026.
The reinstatement of chiropractic services on military bases is a victory for service members and veterans who have been advocating for more holistic healthcare options, and it’s a step in the right direction for the military’s healthcare system.
It’s great to see that the amendment calls for paying chiropractors under the General Schedule base pay scale, which should attract more qualified professionals to work on military bases and provide better care to service members.
It’s reassuring to see the Department of Veterans Affairs and TRICARE overseeing programs that make chiropractic services accessible to veterans, providing them with necessary physical and mental support.
This is especially important for veterans who may be struggling with injuries or stress, and need a comprehensive approach to their healthcare.