(305) 595-9500
LONG TERM PAIN MAJOR HEALTH ISSUE AMONG VETERANS
More than half of veterans in pain (54 percent) said that they have been in pain for more than 10 years, according to a survey of 753 veterans and members of the military released on Friday by the American Pain Foundation in honor of this weekend’s Veterans Day observance.
On a scale of 0 to 10, 70 percent rated the intensity of their pain between 7 and 10, on a daily basis. “The intensity and life-long implications of chronic pain among wounded soldiers is a major concern,” said Chester “Trip” Buckenmaier III, MD, Chief, Army Regional Anesthesia and Pain Management Initiative at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
Long term pain was found to be highly correlated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression in veterans. Nearly one-third (29 percent) indicated they suffer from a combination of pain, depression and PTSD. Close to one-third (32 percent) felt that asking for pain treatment compromised their status as a member of the military or their career in the military. Two-thirds (64 percent) indicated their pain was directly related to their military service.
As part of the endeavor to raise awareness of chronic pain affecting veterans, the American Pain Foundation has launched the “Freedom from Pain” campaign. Print and radio ads running across the country through the holiday weekend will direct veterans and members of the military to the American Pain Foundation (www.painfoundation.org) as a resource for pain management.
Acupuncture is effective in treating chronic pain conditions, decreasing pain by increasing endorphins, which block pain signals sent to the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). Your primary health care provider may recommend acupuncture treatment as a pain management component in addition to physical therapy or medication. Acupuncture treatment can ease pain and may reduce dependency on prescription drugs.
In response to this health crisis facing our veterans the Acupuncture and Massage College will institute a month long service to our veterans FREE Acupuncture treatment at our Community Cliinc beginning Tuesday November 13th. For more information please call 305-595-9500. Veterans with proper ID will receive FREE consultation and Acupuncture treatment at our clinic in Miami.
"Written by Rev. Dr. Richard Browne
http://www.amcollege.edu
