Pain, mental health, and health care utilization of military Veterans compared to civilians in a chronic pain clinic

Abstract

LAY SUMMARY More than 40% of Canadian Veterans live with chronic pain. Chronic pain is often combined with mental health issues as well as the challenges of isolation and deconditioning. This study examined if there were differences in characteristics and type of care received between Veterans and civilians (people with no military service background) seeking care at a chronic pain clinic. The two groups of individuals with chronic pain were quite similar in pain outcomes, physical function, and mental health. Veterans visited chiropractors, massage therapists, physiotherapists, and psychologists more often than civilians. Although Veterans received this extra care and support, they were almost three times more likely to have thoughts of suicide. It was concluded that Veterans with chronic pain would greatly benefit in participating in an interdisciplinary pain care program tailored to Veteran-specific needs.