A Pilot Study to Identify Barriers to Treatment in OIF/OEF Veterans with PTSD and Low Back Pain in Establishing Transdisciplinary Complementary Interventions
Abstract
The purpose of the proposed research is to empirically explore the effectiveness of standard clinical intervention for Veterans with CLBP and PTSD given multiple medical and psychiatric comorbidities, particularly in OEF/OIF Veterans. A total of 318 Veteran charts from Back School Log over 18 months were examined and divided into four Groups based on the diagnosis of PTSD and OEF/OIF status. The mean overall age was 55.86 yrs (SD 13.88) with a significant difference (p<.001), between Non OEF/OIF Groups 1&2 (59.34 yrs, SD11.4) and OEF/OIF Groups 3&4 (35.24 yrs, SD 8.08). While males were the overall majority (95.6%), a significant number of females constituted the OEF/OIF Groups 3&4, (20%, p<.0001). Further, a significantly higher percentage of OEF/OIF Veterans were exposed to combat (34.8%, p=.02). The majority of those with PTSD were from the Army (65.28%, p=.0026). There was no difference among groups with race or marital status. The majority of Veterans completed Back School I with an average VNS 4.9 with a significantly greater improvement (p=.0024) in those without PTSD. Those who continued on to Back School II demonstrated a significant difference (p=.05) with only a 50% completion rate in OEF/OIF Veterans with PTSD. Overall, those with a diagnosis of PTSD reported lower improvements in functional activities, i.e. sitting and walking (p<.04, and .03, respectively). Education alone (Back School I) may have impact on perceived pain in General CLBP. PTSD may have a negative influence on outcomes in OEF/OIF Veterans with CLBP.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA524483
Entities
People
- Agnes Wallbom