Lower Back Pain (LBP) is among the most common musculoskeletal disorders that can cause chronic pain and can lead to long-term physical disability. This back pain can range in intensity from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp or shooting pain . The causes of LBP can range from congenital birth defects, injuries, degenerative problems, nerve and spinal problems and situational issues like kidney stones or pregnancy. LBP is widely reported among Military Veterans which can negatively impact their quality of life. Care for this highly prevalent condition often involves pharmacological or surgical approaches that carry higher than desired risks.
Citations
Nahin, Richard L. “Severe pain in veterans: The effect of age and sex, and comparisons with the general population.” The Journal of Pain 18.3 (2017): 247-254.
“Back Pain Fact Sheet”, NINDS, Publication date March 2020.NIH Publication No. 20-NS-5161
Hinojosa, Ramon, and Melanie Sberna Hinojosa. “Activity-limiting musculoskeletal conditions in US
veterans compared to non-veterans: results from the 2013 National Health Interview Survey.” PloS one 11.12 (2016):e0167143.
Mattila, Ville M et al. “Low back painduring military service predicts low back pain later in life.” PloS one vol. 12,3e0173568. 10 Mar. 2017, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0173568