Back pain and spine conditions are common among soldiers and military veterans. There are many factors and situations that can lead to the development of spinal injuries on and off duty. This blog article will focus on the various spine conditions and injuries a military veteran may encounter, and what surgical treatment options may help them return to an active life.

Spine Conditions Affecting Military Veterans

There are many spine conditions and injuries a US military may face after serving.

• Injured in combat. Back injuries during combat can be serious and potentially life threatening. These often require immediate surgical intervention.
• A soldier who takes shrapnel to the back can experience immediate and long-term symptoms. Depending on its location, the shrapnel may even navigate to the spinal column and negatively interact with the nerves, discs, or other structures.
• Repetitive Stress Injuries. Being a soldier requires a lot of physical activity, regardless of position or rank. Over time the repetitive stresses of a soldier’s daily routine can lead to arthritis, bulging spinal discs, and other issues that can cause back pain.

There are many more potential injuries a soldier or military veteran can experience. These are just a few of the more common.

Treatment Options for Military Vets

These spine conditions and injuries can be treated using a multitude of methods. If the condition or injury is less severe, conservative options are generally the first line of treatment. If those fail, or if the condition threatens the spinal nerves, surgical procedures may be necessary.

My advice to all US military veterans who are experiencing back or neck pain that is interfering with their lives, is to seek medical help. A skilled spine specialist can get to the bottom of what’s ailing you and offer recommendations for best treating the underlying condition or injury.

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