Whole Health

Whole Health Approach to Pain Management

Whole Health Approach to Pain Management

Chronic pain is a widespread issue among America's Veterans

Research shows that about 31.5% of Veterans report chronic pain, compared with 20.1% of non-Veterans. Severe pain is also roughly 40% more common in Veterans than in the general population.

Pain affects all areas of life

Untreated chronic pain is associated with

• sleep disturbance,
• social isolation,
• depression and anxiety,
• reduced physical activity,
• and increased suicide rates.

Veterans living with chronic pain are at higher risk for suicide, but effective pain care and support can save lives.

There is hope in Whole Health, VA's Veteran-first, patient-centered approach to health care

While traditional medicine alone may only temporarily relieve the symptoms of chronic pain, Whole Health looks at care beyond pain management — at the Whole Veteran.

By combining conventional medicine with transformational, holistic health care, Whole Health puts the Veteran at the center of the decisions that determine their well-being, not their pain.

Discover the Whole Health Approach

The Whole Health Pathway is your map to self-care practices that help you discover your mission, aspiration, and purpose.

Whole Health complementary and integrative health (CIH) therapies, such as acupuncture and yoga enhance your personalized health plan.

Health and wellness coaches support and empower you to make actionable goals for your health care.

The pain management podcast series shares tools and strategies from the Whole Health model of care for Veterans suffering from chronic pain.

Experience the Whole Health Approach to Pain Management

Whole Health works. The numbers tell the story: Whole Health participation is associated with a decrease in the use of invasive pain treatments, as well as clinically meaningful improvement in musculoskeletal pain.

Your pain isn’t the whole picture of who you are. Don’t let pain define your life! Reach out to your local VA facility to learn more about Whole Health services.

One Veteran's Experience

“I was a walking billboard for pain before I met (my Whole Health coach) Ms. Dobson,” said Reverend James Mitchell of Bluefield, WV.

After several foot surgeries, sciatic nerve issues, and 40 years of smoking, Mitchell was using a walker, he was stressed out, and his quality of life was at its lowest point when he started his Whole Health journey with Nicole Dobson, Whole Health Coach at the Beckley, West Virginia VA Medical Center.

“I was in so much pain, and I just knew that God did not want me to live like that,” he said. “She asked me what I wanted to accomplish, and at that point it was to quit smoking, manage the pain, and have a better quality of life,” he said. Read the story of how Mr. Mitchell used acupuncture, yoga and Whole Health coaching to avoid using pain medications and get back on the pickleball court!

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