The Complete Guide to Veterans Chiropractic & Massage Care in Lacey, WA

At a Glance – Veterans Care at Warwick Chiropractic

Dr. David Warwick DC
Doctor of Chiropractic
Palmer College Graduate
30+ years in practice
Former contracted chiropractor,
Madigan Army Medical Center

Service-Related Conditions We Treat

Military service puts the human body through stresses that most civilians will never experience. Carrying heavy rucksacks for miles. Wearing helmets with night-vision goggles for hours. The constant weight of body armor. Jumping from aircraft or vehicles. Hard landings, falls, and years of cumulative physical demands.

Veteran Case Study

A Story That Stayed With Me

A veteran was referred to our chiropractic clinic after sustaining a catastrophic combat injury — a direct hit that had taken out one side of his skull and his eye. He had undergone somewhere in the region of 20 to 30 surgeries to reconstruct his facial bones, replace his eye, and rebuild the structural integrity of his skull. The military medical system had done extraordinary work keeping this man alive.

But he was still suffering. Debilitating aura migraines that put him on the floor. Disrupted vision. Affected hearing and balance. Altered sensation and taste. The doctors had addressed what needed to be addressed — as they absolutely should have. But this residual constellation of neurological symptoms had no clear surgical answer.

When he came to our clinic, we talked. I gave him the space to open up. And then we got to work.

“Over the next two or three sessions, his migraines decreased dramatically. His vision in his remaining eye improved. His hearing improved. His balance improved. One of the most remarkable things I have witnessed in nearly 30 years of practice.”

By restoring proper alignment in the upper cervical spine and removing interference from the nervous system, we gave his brain a clearer pathway to communicate with and regulate the rest of his body. He brought me a pen and pencil set from his battalion as a thank-you. I still think about him.

That story is not an outlier. It is a more dramatic version of what we see every week — veterans whose pain and dysfunction respond to chiropractic care, often faster than anyone expected.

— Dr. David Warwick DC, Warwick Chiropractic & Massage

Using Your VA Benefits at Warwick Chiropractic

Warwick Chiropractic & Massage is a Preferred VA Veterans Provider, enrolled in the VA Community Care Network. Eligible veterans can receive chiropractic care and massage therapy at our Lacey, WA office using VA benefits — with our team handling coordination and paperwork on our end.

Step 4: Your Visits Are Authorized for a Set Period

The VA specifies the number of visits and the timeframe. Visits expire, so use them within the authorized window. Walk-in access is available for chiropractic visits once your referral is established.

Step 5: Referral Renewal — The SAR Report

We proactively manage your renewals. We are permitted to submit a SAR renewal request up to 30 days before your current referral expires. We monitor this and submit on your behalf to minimize gaps in care.

Need Care Now While You Wait?

If your referral is delayed and you’re in pain, we offer a straightforward cash-pay option so you can get the care you need without waiting for paperwork to clear.

Concurrent Chiropractic & Massage Referrals

Many veterans at our practice hold concurrent VA referrals for both chiropractic care and massage therapy — running simultaneously. In our clinical experience, combining both modalities produces better results than either alone. Dr. Warwick’s tip: specify chiropractic primarily for the neck and back, and massage for shoulders, hips, and extremities. Note: chiropractic and massage can run concurrently, but chiropractic and PT or acupuncture typically cannot.

What to Expect at Your First Visit

For many veterans, the hardest part of seeking chiropractic care is walking through the door. Dr. Warwick understands that — and it’s why the culture at Warwick Chiropractic is built around trust, directness, and genuine listening.

Before You Arrive

Bring your VA authorization notice and a valid ID. You don’t need to have everything perfectly organized — our team will walk you through the intake process.

Your First Appointment

Dr. Warwick or one of his associate doctors will conduct a comprehensive neuro-musculo-skeletal examination. We’ll listen to what you’ve been experiencing — not just the clinical symptoms, but how your condition is affecting your daily life. Veterans deserve more than a five-minute appointment.

Your Treatment Plan

You’ll receive a clear, straightforward plan — how many visits, what the goals are, and what you can realistically expect. No unnecessary long-term treatment programs. Dr. Warwick’s professional commitment: he will not use unnecessary long-term treatment plans or therapies.

Walk-In Access

Once you are an established patient with an active VA referral, you can walk in for care without an appointment during regular business hours. No scheduling required for your chiropractic visits.

Why Veterans Choose Warwick Chiropractic & Massage

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the VA cover chiropractic care at Warwick Chiropractic?

Yes. Warwick Chiropractic & Massage is a Preferred VA Veterans Provider enrolled in the VA Community Care Network. Eligible veterans can receive chiropractic care at our Lacey, WA office using VA-authorized referrals at no out-of-pocket cost.

Can veterans also get massage therapy covered by the VA?

Yes. The VA can issue a separate Community Care referral for massage therapy. Many veterans at our practice hold concurrent chiropractic and massage referrals that run simultaneously. Massage appointments must be scheduled in advance.

How many chiropractic visits does the VA typically authorize?

Based on our experience, initial authorizations typically cover around 12 visits, with the possibility of an additional block of 8 visits. Massage referrals typically cover around 12 visits per fiscal year. These are subject to VA guidelines and may vary.

How do I start the VA referral process?

Contact your VA primary care physician and request a Community Care referral for chiropractic care. Be specific about your symptoms. Once the VA issues the authorization, our office receives it and will contact you to schedule your first appointment. Dr. Warwick recommends following up by both phone and email to track the status of your referral.

Does TRICARE cover chiropractic at your office?

TRICARE does not cover chiropractic care at outside providers for active duty personnel. Your primary covered chiropractic access is on-post at JBLM. We offer a cost-effective cash-pay option for active duty patients who need convenient same-day care.

Do I need an appointment or can I walk in?

For chiropractic care, walk-ins are welcome — no appointment needed. Once you are an established patient with an active VA referral, you can come in any time during business hours. Massage therapy appointments must be scheduled in advance.

What if my referral is delayed but I need care now?

We offer a cash-pay option for veterans whose referrals are still processing. This allows you to get the care you need without waiting for paperwork to clear.

Can chiropractic help with conditions beyond back and neck pain?

Yes. Because chiropractic care works by restoring proper nervous system function, it can positively affect a range of conditions — including headaches, migraines, vertigo, balance issues, radiating arm or leg pain, and some aspects of neurological function affected by head or spinal trauma.