Every November 11, we honor the men and women who have served our country. Military service asks a lot of the body, and some of that wear doesn’t show up right away.
For many veterans, back or neck pain appears years after they leave the service. Because the pain starts long after the work that may have caused it, it’s easy to brush off as “just getting older.” Knowing the signs can help you get the right care sooner.
How Military Service Affects the Spine
Back pain is the most common cause of chronic non-cancer pain among veterans. One study of post-9/11 veterans treated at VA facilities found that 17.5% were diagnosed with a lower back condition within seven years of deployment.
That’s not surprising when you think about what service involves. Common sources of spine strain include:
- Carrying heavy packs, body armor, and gear for long periods
- Repeated lifting, crouching, and twisting
- Jumps, hard landings, and falls during training
- Long hours in vehicles over rough ground
- Sleeping on uneven surfaces in the field
Why the Pain Can Show Up Years Later
Not every spine injury hurts right away. Small injuries and years of heavy loads can add up quietly. Over time, that stress can speed up wear on the discs and joints of the spine.
Many service members are also trained to push through pain. A sore back during service might have been ignored or treated as part of the job. Years later, normal aging adds to that earlier wear, and symptoms finally become hard to ignore.
Signs of Delayed-Onset Spine Pain
Talk to your doctor about seeing a spine specialist if you notice:
- Back or neck stiffness that lingers or keeps coming back
- Pain that spreads into your arms, legs, or buttocks
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in your hands or feet
- Trouble standing, walking, or sitting for long periods
- Pain that wakes you up at night
- Pain that hasn’t improved with treatments your doctor recommended
If you suddenly lose control of your bladder or bowels, or have numbness in your groin area, seek emergency care right away.
Expert Spine Care When You Need It
When surgery is the right next step, you deserve a team that knows the spine inside and out. Nebraska Spine Hospital is a physician-led specialty hospital dedicated exclusively to spine care. We’re proud to be the only Spine Center of Excellence in the region. Our surgeons and care team guide you from your first consultation through recovery. We’re the best at what we do because it’s all we do.
You Served. Now Take Care of Yourself.
Thank you to every veteran for your service! Spine pain that shows up years later is real, and you don’t have to simply live with it. Getting answers is the first step toward feeling more like yourself.
