The chiropractor's role in addressing social determinants of health: a case report of a U.S. Veteran with acute housing instability.

Abstract

Objective: Housing is a well-established social determinant of health (SDOH) where housing instability can negatively affect physical health and access to health care. We present a case where housing instability was reported while under chiropractic management of neck pain and headaches.

Clinical features: A 54-year-old male under care at a Veterans Affairs chiropractic clinic for mechanical neck pain and cervicogenic headaches, presented at follow-up visit four with new-onset nausea, change in headache, and recent residential furnace failure.

Intervention and outcome: Care coordination was initiated by the chiropractor with the social work team due to concerns of housing instability. Following furnace repairs and return to stable housing, the veteran reported significant symptom improvement and was lost to follow up.

Summary: We demonstrate real-world recognition of an SDOH impacting a presenting complaint to a chiropractic clinic. Timely action was taken by the chiropractor to coordinate appropriate care to address acute housing instability.