How Military Veterans Can Overcome Back and Neck Pain.

This Veteran’s Day, let’s reflect not only on the great sacrifices veterans have made but also on the very real pain that many vets endure on a daily basis. According to a 2023 epidemiological study published in Preventive Medicine Reports, out of 19,963 participant veterans who have served since the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, nearly half (49.3%) reported back and neck pain. That is more than twice the rate of non-veterans. 

In an observational study from the American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 792 veteran participants, all of whom had an upper limb amputated, experienced back pain only, neck pain only, or both. Over 52% of the veterans had both back and neck pain, 20% had back pain only, and over 8% had neck pain only. Of those experiencing back pain, 60% described it as persistent, while 48% of those with neck pain also rated their pain as persistent.

Other studies like these show the veteran community has a higher prevalence of back and neck pain than most civilians.

Why Veterans Experience Higher Rates of Back and Neck Pain

While the specific degree of physical taxation varies by individual, nearly all vets have abused their bodies during years of training or combat, placing extreme stress on the spine. As the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons puts it, “...spine impairment can be a leading cause of disability. Those in the U.S. military frequently carry and lift heavy loads, jump, or quickly pivot and run in their line of duty.” The physical consequence is that this repeated stress and trauma on the joints contributes to the degradation of musculoskeletal spinal integrity.

In addition to physical stress leading to subluxations (misalignments) of the spine and subsequent bulging or herniated discs, mental stress contributes significantly to pain. Whether enduring the extreme stress of a combat operation or reintegrating into society after deployment, psychological stress leads to physical pain. This pain that veterans experience often persists for many years after service has ended.

“Ultimately, a prolonged or exaggerated stress response may perpetuate cortisol dysfunction, widespread inflammation, and pain. Stress may be unavoidable in life… however, humans have the capability to modify… how they respond to it,” says a study in the journal, Physical Therapy.

Veterans, Here’s an Easy Way To Manage Back And Neck Pain

Let’s re-read the conclusion of the quote above. How can you, a military vet, “respond” and conquer pain? The answer may sound as much of an insurmountable goal as winning The Battle of Midway. 

Fortunately for veterans, there’s a clinically research-backed solution that’s as easy as lying down on your back. The gentle, decompressive action of Posture Pump® back and neck pain devices alleviates pain and improves joint mobility. This is welcome news for veterans struggling with simple, daily tasks that many civilians take for granted, such as bending over to tie shoes, checking for blind spots while driving, etc. 

Tens of thousands of people from all walks of life, many veterans included, have successfully managed or even overcome back and neck pain by using a Posture Pump® device every day, in the convenience of their homes, for just 15 minutes per session. 

Posture Pump® products lift, stretch, and separate the neck and back joints via a patented technology called Expanding Ellipsoidal Decompression® or EED. This technology effortlessly creates significant vertebral joint separation, which hydrates and alleviates pressure on the spinal vertebral disc and improves blood flow. The result is improved spinal alignment and reduced inflammation and pain signals to the brain. 

Anybody can fit a Posture Pump® session into their daily routine. Make sure to set a timer on your smartphone every day at a convenient time to remind you to use the Posture Pump® back and neck pain relief device.

Conclusion: Veterans May Easily Relieve Persistent Back and Neck Pain In Just Minutes

Far too many military heroes struggle with chronic back and neck pain every day of their lives and are left high and dry. The few pain-management options are usually burdensome or best representative of the maxim, “The cure is worse than the disease.” Think: invasive surgery and highly addictive opioid medications. 

Posture Pump® products can play a significant role in managing pain in the veteran community. Please share this information on your social feeds or directly with a veteran to get the word out about how Posture Pump® can help.