Chronic Back Pain in Special Operations - A Deep Dive

In this 2-hour SOF Health Deep Dive, an expert panel of neurosurgeons and back pain experts describe how failing to identify the issue causing pain/dysfunction and delay in treatment can impact care options and outcomes. The experts suggest care should be sought when back challenges impact Activities of Daily Living and noted that symptoms such as numbness, tingling, weakness, and bowel and bladder issues should never be ignored or dismissed.

The panelists described back interventions in 3 phases ranging from, 1. physical therapy and noninvasive care options, 2. injections, and 3. surgical options. Surgical options were most able to improve challenges involving nerve compression, trauma, or instability. The panel also highlighted what active duty and veteran SOF should know about seeking care for back pain, including other factors that make seeking care unique for special operations members.

The MSOFC team pulled out some key takeaways by the minute to highlight questions frequently asked. You can easily jump to these spots by clicking on the timestamp below:

00:00:10 Introduction by KaLea Lehman
00:07:20 Return to Duty Overview & Team Intros
00:29:00 Common Challenges Seeking Care for Back Pain in the Military
00:35:24 Getting a Second Opinion
00:48:15 “Time is Spine”
00:53:47 Numbing, Tingling, Weakness
00:55:30 When Symptoms Impact Activities of Daily Living
01:07:30 Three Phases of Back Pain Interventions
01:16:05 Ways to Improve Sleep
01:18:40 Regenerative Therapies
01:35:18 Care Options & Strategies for Managing Pain
01:44:00 Acupuncture & Turmeric Supplements
01:52:15 Chiropractic Care for Back Pain (Avoid Neck Manipulation)
01:58:45 Wrap-Up

MSOFC is thankful for our partners at Return To Duty and their commitment to improving the landscape of back pain and care in the special operations community.