• Marianne S Matthias, Edward J Miech, Laura J Myers, Christy Sargent, and Matthew J Bair.
• VA HSR&D Center on Implementing Evidence-Based Practice, Roudebush VA Medical Center, 1481 W. 10th St., 11H, Indianapolis, IN 46202.
• Mil Med. 2014 Jan 1;179(1):26-30.

ObjectivesOver half of the veterans returning from the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan are burdened with chronic pain. Although these young veterans may have to live with pain for the rest of their lives, little is known about the struggles this new group of veterans faces, or their perceptions of support from family, friends, and others. The purpose of this study is to understand Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans' experiences with chronic pain and social support.MethodsIn-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with veterans who participated in an intervention for chronic pain. Grounded theory guided data analysis.ResultsVeterans described a range of emotions associated with chronic pain, including hopelessness, anger, and fear that their pain would worsen. For some, talking about their pain was helpful, but others avoided talking about their pain, often because people did not understand or overreacted.ConclusionAlthough support from friends and family is often effective, veterans and others with chronic pain are uniquely positioned to offer support to others with pain. Clinically, an approach to pain management in which veteran peers are integrated into chronic pain treatment approaches, similar to the Veterans Affairs' mental health model of care, might offer additional benefits for veterans with chronic pain.Reprint & Copyright © 2014 Association of Military Surgeons of the U.S.

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