Sustaining Orthopedic Injuries to Neck, Back and Spinal Cord During Military Service:

Military training and service often places servicemen and women at greater risk for orthopedic injuries. Several factors contribute to this increased risk:

  • Physical Demands of Training:

    Military training often involves rigorous physical activities, including running, marching, carrying heavy gear, and engaging in various forms of combat simulations. These activities can place significant stress on the musculoskeletal system, leading to a higher likelihood of orthopedic injuries. 

  • Combat Operations:

    Deployed military personnel may face combat situations that increase the risk of traumatic injuries, including fractures, dislocations, and injuries to joints and soft tissues. Explosions, falls, and other combat-related incidents can result in orthopedic injuries. 

  • Repetitive Strain and Overuse:

    Repetitive movements and sustained physical exertion during training and operational duties can contribute to overuse injuries. Conditions such as stress fractures, tendinitis, and stress-related injuries may occur due to the repetitive nature of certain activities. 

  • Carrying Heavy Equipment:

    Military personnel often carry heavy backpacks, body armor, weapons, and other gear, which can lead to musculoskeletal strain and increase the risk of orthopedic issues, especially in the back, shoulders, and knees. For example, soldiers deployed to the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm often wore heavy battle gear and Kevlar helmets while riding in trucks over rough desert terrain. These soldiers often reported extreme neck pain and other injuries sustained during service. In some cases, the injuries were so severe that they permanently changed soldiers’ lives. 

  • Environmental Factors:

    Harsh environmental conditions, such as uneven terrain, extreme temperatures, and challenging landscapes, can contribute to an increased risk of falls and injuries. 

  • Training Incidents:

    Injuries can occur during training exercises, whether from falls, accidents, or the physical demands of training programs. These injuries can range from sprains and strains to more severe orthopedic conditions. 

Addressing the orthopedic health of military personnel is a crucial aspect of military medicine and rehabilitation. Comprehensive training programs, injury prevention measures, and prompt medical care are essential to minimize the impact of orthopedic injuries on the health and readiness of servicemen and women. Additionally, advancements in medical care and rehabilitation techniques aim to support military personnel in recovering from orthopedic injuries and maintaining their overall well-being.

At VA Care Now our highly qualified VA-accredited claims agents understand that the constant jarring motions, carrying of heavy equipment and repetitive striking of the ground from heights during military activities can cause mild to severe back and neck pain. Unexpected accidents can also cause back pain or make existing pain worse.

Our claims agents represent military veterans nationwide with many different types of neck and back disabilities from service-related injuries:

  • Back strain

  • Herniated discs

  • Ruptured discs

  • Slipped discs

  • Neck injury

  • Spinal cord injury/paralysis

  • Paraplegia

  • Quadriplegia

If a neck or back injury has changed your life, you may be eligible for veterans disability compensation. This compensation provides monthly payments that will help you make ends meet if you cannot work or participate in activities you once enjoyed.