Virtual first step: How telehealth helped Navy Veteran manage chronic pain

After years of living with pain, one Navy Veteran found a path to relief—and a partner in her care

After serving 10 years in the Navy, Sherid Hutchins built a career, raised a daughter and moved forward in her civilian life. But years of heavy lifting during her military service took a toll on her body, leaving her with chronic back pain. While pregnant with her daughter, Hutchins learned she had three degenerative discs in her lower back.

Over time, the pain became harder to manage.

“I spent about a year, maybe a year and a half, sleeping on a heating pad,” Hutchins said.

Nearly two decades after her military service, Hutchins fell and providers discovered spinal stenosis in her neck. The condition caused severe headaches and blurred vision, prompting Hutchins to seek chiropractic care.

That’s when she connected with a VA chiropractor, starting with an initial telehealth appointment that helped her begin treatment quickly.

Starting care through telehealth

Hutchins’ first appointment with her VA chiropractor was through VA Video Connect, VA’s secure videoconferencing app.

“My initial consult with her was virtual,” Hutchins said. “We talked about it. She took detailed notes. She asked me to do a few movements so she could get an idea of what’s going on.”

During that appointment, Hutchins’ provider learned about her symptoms, evaluated her movement and created a treatment plan. Hutchins then received equipment to use at home as part of her treatment.

For Hutchins, telehealth offered a convenient way to begin her care journey. The virtual appointment gave her personalized recommendations that guided her next steps.

Receiving care that continues to make a difference

After her virtual consultation, Hutchins transitioned to in-person chiropractic care and medical massage therapy. She continues to see her VA chiropractor regularly.

While she knows her back health may never return to 100%, Hutchins says the treatment has helped her maintain mobility and prevent her condition from worsening.

“I’m doing better now,” she said. “I’ll never be back to where I was, but I’m not getting any worse.”

Hutchins also learned that managing physical pain can improve overall well-being.

Sharing a message with fellow Veterans

Hutchins encourages other Veterans to take advantage of VA care options, including telehealth when appropriate.

“If you can do virtual appointments, do them,” she said.

For Veterans who may be hesitant to seek care, Hutchins offers a simple reminder: “They are competent. They care. If you participate, they will help you, whether it’s physically or mentally.”

For Hutchins, that partnership with her VA care team has helped her continue moving forward, one step at a time.

Talk to your VA care team to see if virtual chiropractic care is right for you and available in your area. To learn more, visit VA Telehealth Services.