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Free chiropractic care for veterans

Jersey City, New Jersey - November 11, 2011

On this Veterans Day, some troops coming home from war are getting relief from their physical pain. States across the country are joining in a new program which gives free chiropractic care to veterans.

The first time James Ju walked into Chiropractic Healthcare Associates in New Jersey, he was suffering from intense lower back pain.

"I couldn't really sit. I couldn't drive for a long period of time -- couldn't really bend down and pick something up, couldn't even put on my socks," Ju said.

Ju was stationed in Iraq with his Marine unit in 2009 and 2010, helping close down bases.
He did a lot of physical work wearing heavy, protective gear.
"I would say with everything on -- 30, 30 to 40 pounds," he said.

It eventually took a toll on his back. Ju's college health insurance didn't cover  chiropractic treatments. But then he found out about "Healing Hands 4 Heroes." A national  group of chiropractors together with the military created the program to provide free chiropractic care to veterans returning from war.

Nearly 250 members of the Association of New Jersey Chiropractors were the first to sign on. More states are also joining the effort.

Dr. Michael Errichiello is taking part in the program. "These young men and women are heroes, they're risking themselves in Iraq and Afghanistan to save us, to keep us free. It's important to give something back to them," he said.

The treatments are giving Ju relief. "I feel good. I'm able to do everyday stuff without any pain. I actually haven't felt pain since Doctor E. fixed me up."

Helping him move  on with his life after deployment -- free from pain.

Alison Harmelin - CBS News