Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Military Veterans in the Management of Chronic Pain and PTSD: An Integrative Literature Review

Abstract

Background: A large percentage of veterans and military personal are living with the reality of chronic pain from war-related injuries both mental (PTSD) and physical (neuropathic pain or amputations). Research is being performed to evaluate integrative and alternative medicine to be a part of the interdisciplinary care in the management of chronic pain and PTSD.

Objectives: The objective of this integrative literature will be to analyze research regarding whether complementary and alternative therapies is an effective management for chronic pain and PTSD.

Methods: This integrative literature review will use a matrix method to evaluate the data and compare the components of the research across the board.

Results: Studies have shown that the use of CAM therapies for the management of PTSD and chronic pain can be effective for military personnel. The results show that CAM therapies are best effective when used in conjunction with traditional and pharmacological therapies.

Conclusion: Complementary and alternative therapies are used among the military population for the management of chronic pain and PTSD. More research is being conducted to determine the extent of CAM to incorporate into their plan of care along with their traditional methods as well.

Keywords: chronic pain, PTSD, veterans, cannabis, military injuries, complementary medicine, alternative therapies.