Presented at the 2012 AAPM Annual Meeting « Back

Multidiscipline Approach on the Effects of Veterans with Chronic Pain Compounded with Biopsychosocial Implications After Extended Periods of High Stress

John J. Welch, DC, jwelchdc@aol.com¹, Stephen Hamilton, Psychologist², Julia Lucente, MD², (1) Dayton VA Polytrauma Clinic, Springfield, Ohio, (2) Dayton VA Medical Center, Dayton, Ohio

Multidiscipline approach on the effects of Veterans with Chronic Pain compounded with Biopsychosocial Implications after extended periods of high stress Statement of the Problem Since 2003, greater than 565,000 returning veterans have been evaluated by the VA; 53.2 % have been diagnosed with musculoskeletal disorders and almost as many with comorbities of psychosocial disorder1. There has been limited research on specific multidiscipline effect on chronic pain, especially in Veterans who have been in high-stress environments for extended periods of time. Veterans with chronic pain present with weight gain, lethargy, fatigue, depression, and anxiety. Materials and Methods: 125 chronic pain patients will be identified. Consent will be obtained through a signed consent form approved by the facility IRB. A cohort chart review will be done to collect pertinent information needed for study. Results: Data to be collected at the initial visit will be age, measure of pain, sleep, depression, anxiety, employment and functional level, opiod use, in theater status, (direct combat versus support), and previous treatments. Overall response to treatments will be reported. Conclusion: Chronic pain syndrome is a holistic, poorly understood disease process that currently lacks comprehensive, coordinated and effective evidence-based treatments. The study will review cases in an attempt to determine how successful a rigid mind-body treatment approach in chronic pain veterans would decrease pain, enhance mobility, and increase functional ability; while decreasing anxiety and depression to further the likelihood of re-employability and overall enhance the quality of life. References: 1)VA Office of Public Health and Environmental Hazards August 2010

Funding: None