Does PTSD Cause Back Pain?

According to a new report in the September issue of Spine Journal, hundreds of troops evacuated from Iraq and Afghanistan are suffering spinal pain that could be related to the psychological stress of war. In one VA study, nearly 80 percent of veterans being treated for spine pain tested positive for psychological stress, with 44 percent reporting severe stress.

According to Dr. Eugene Carragee, a former Army reservists and orthopedic surgeon, “the neurophysiological stuff going on with post-traumatic stress disorder seems to be manifesting in back pain.” He adds that the relationship should serve as a wake-up call for physicians to consider the overall health and psychological fitness of their military patients. “I don’t think anyone’s reported on this before with veterans,” Carragee said. “those who have psychological issues have less reserve to deal with chronic pain, and the flip side is those with chronic pain lose their psychological reserves.”

The Spine Journal editorial board devoted an entire issue to military back pain because so few civilian physicians understand military patients.

Veterans Suffering from PTSD and Pain

If you or a loved one is suffering from symptoms of PTSD and/or physical pain related to military service, you may be eligible for veterans disability compensation. The dedicated veterans’ advocates of Veterans Help Group stay on top of legal and medical developments to help our clients prove their disabilities to the VA. Lean more about how we help disabled veterans, including how we help with post-traumatic stress disorder claims. Call or email us today for a free consultation. It is our mission to help all veterans receive the benefits they deserve.