Chronic pain: The Canadian Armed Forces members and Veterans mental health follow-up survey

Abstract

LAY SUMMARY Chronic pain is pain that has lasted three to six months or longer. Many people with back pain, migraines, arthritis, and gastrointestinal conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, have chronic pain. The experience of chronic pain may have various negative effects on individuals. Pain may prevent a person from doing everyday tasks such as household chores. Chronic pain is an understudied area of research among military members and Veterans. Thus, the authors explored chronic pain in the Canadian military population. This study looked at the differences in chronic pain conditions among serving personnel and Veterans. The results show that a majority of serving members and Veterans experience chronic pain conditions. Veterans also reported experiencing more chronic pain than serving members.