However, a local chiropractor has seen great success in treating veterans using an “integrative” treatment approach. Dr. Llaird Likens, a community provider for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), uses chiropractic care combined with acupuncture, massage therapy, and other noninvasive, drug-free treatments. The combination, tailored to each patient, works to reduce pain, increase mobility and address traumatic brain injury and PTSD.
Dr. Likens has treated hundreds of area veterans over the last 22 years, and now he is expanding his practice to serve even more. His education, research, and experience have allowed him to help veterans where other treatment options, including opioids, have failed.
“One of the most gratifying and satisfying aspects of my life’s work is to be able to help the veterans of my community live fuller lives with less or no pain,” he said.
According to Dr. Likens, pain in veterans can be more complex than in nonveterans. “More than half of veterans who use VA health care have continual pain that lasts for months or years. Military training and combat are especially tough on the body. Heavy lifting, long marches and carrying bulky gear can lead to joint and back problems, not to mention arthritis and nerve damage. Traumatic brain injury and PTSD can make the pain even worse,” he explained.
Dr. Likens creates a care plan for each individual patient using multiple therapies that work together for the best possible outcome. He has a unique skillset gained through extensive postgraduate work in advanced chiropractic techniques; chiropractic biophysics; multiple certifications in acupuncture, dry needling, applied kinesiology, clinical nutrition and functional medicine; spinal and brain traumatology; and the evaluation, treatment and rating of permanent impairments.
“There’s no single combination of care that works the same for every patient. Similar injuries, ailments or conditions will affect each of us differently because we are each unique, and none of our circumstances or mechanisms of injury are exactly the same,” Dr. Likens said. “It requires knowledge of many methods of treatment and how they work in combination with each other to be able to treat each patient as an individual.”
The process starts with a conversation between doctor and veteran. Dr. Likens uses a “patient-centered” approach to care, which goes beyond just treating individual symptoms. It involves partnering with the veteran and listening to them about all their concerns in all areas of their life.
“We believe healing involves treating you as a whole person, not just your symptoms. We take the time to listen to your concerns, thoroughly evaluate your health, and work with you to create a customized treatment plan that addresses your specific goals,” said Dr. Likens.
Dr. Likens is a VA Community Care Network provider through Optum Serve. Veterans qualify for “VA community care” — care outside a VA facility — under certain conditions, such as the need for specialty care like what Dr. Likens provides.
For more information on Dr. Likens’ qualifications and services, or to find out more about how to receive care through VA’s Community Care Network, contact his office at 850-939-3339.