Combating Degenerative Spinal Health in Marine Corps Aviation: Preserving the Force by Bringing Preventative Health Care Directly to the Aviator
Abstract
This thesis investigates the problem of degenerative spinal health that is rampant within the United States Marine Corps rotary wing community. These injuries result in a lower post-career quality of life and exorbitant medical care costs. Several causal factors which will be examined, combine with a culture that discourages and a work environment that impedes obtaining preventative and restorative healthcare. This has resulted in a community where up to 85 percent are suffering from back pain and a reported 60 percent either will not or cannot seek treatment. This thesis will not argue for the requirement to address poor cockpit ergonomics or the requirement for flight equipment modernization. While they are valid arguments, the intent here is to paint the picture as it exists and describe the negative impacts these factors have on an aviators' spinal health through prolonged exposure to their flight related duties. The proven long-term health and cost benefits of applied chiropractic care in the prevention of chronic musculoskeletal disorders will be discussed. This, combined with similar benefits associated with the implementation of mobile healthcare, will form the solution to this thesis' problem. Mobile chiropractic units that can deliver preventative and restorative chiropractic care directly to USMC helicopter squadrons will have a profound effect on force preservation and unit readiness. If implemented, they could help save millions of dollars spent on training replacement aircrew along with veteran disability compensation and healthcare costs. Taking care of veterans requires changing the approach in which they are cared for during their career.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 28, 2018
- Accession Number
- AD1177181
Entities
People
- Kevin M. Rector
Organizations
- Marine Corps University