Musculoskeletal complaints in US Veterans across the lifespan. A review of patients presenting to a VA Medical Center Chiropractic Clinic

Background:

Throughout history, each conflict has been different and brings different health challenges for the returning Marines, Soldiers, Sailors, Coastguardsmen, and Airmen. Overtime, evaluation of these conditions is necessary for early detection and to prevent further progression of these symptoms, as seen with the association of Agent Orange used during the Vietnam era and type II diabetes. In OIF and OEF, back pain alone has caused military personnel to be medically evacuated from theater and have been shown to have a 13% return to duty rate (Cohen et al., 2009). Chronic pain in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) veterans is made up of 81.8% of musculoskeletal (MSK) and connective tissue (CT) disorders (GIronda et al., 2006). This paper will explore the incidence and prevalence of back pain in the veteran population by branch of service and service era of which they served. With the increasing MSK and CT disorders among veterans across the country, this will provide information if time of service and or branch plays a role in MSK/CT disorders across the lifespan.

Methods: A retrospective review will be conducted of the veteran patients who presented to the chiropractic clinic from Jan 2007 until Dec 2011. Demographic information will be reported from this veteran population which will include, gender, age, service era (WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi freedom), branch of service (Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard), presenting complaint, other musculoskeletal complaints, and co morbidities.