Understanding the experiences of chronic low back pain in Post-9/11 female veterans
- UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Risa M. Peets (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
- Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
- Advisor
- Susan Letvak
Abstract: Chronic low back pain is a significant and widespread problem that is pervasive among Post-9/11 veterans. Injuries acquired during deployments to war conflicts are the leading predictors of chronic low back pain experiences in this population. A gap remains in the research related to the chronic low back pain experiences specific to Post-9/11 female veterans. The purpose of this dissertation was to provide a preliminary understanding of the chronic low back pain experiences in female combat veterans and how they made sense of their pain, in light of patriarchal military traditions. Using one-on-one interviews, 10 Post-9/11 female veterans shared their chronic low back pain experiences. Narrative thematic analysis and the conceptual framework of feminist standpoint theory were used to contextualize the narratives. Feminist standpoint theory suggested that the minority or oppressed within an institution had a greater understanding of that institution than those who are privileged by it (Harding, 1991). Analysis revealed two core narratives: the injury experience and living with pain, my new normal. The injury experience were stories that described the distinct etiology of back injuries and subsequent low back pain in Post-9/11 women. The living with pain, my new normal story, explicated the life-altering impact of chronic low back pain in these women post-deployment. The experiences of chronic low back pain in Post-9/11 female veterans are complex. However, through narrative understandings, women’s stories may help shape back pain care practices and future policies for female combat veterans. Additionally, narratives may provide context to the gendered military standards and expectations that have been created and utilized, while also contributing to the chronic low back pain research in Post-9/11 female veterans.
Understanding the experiences of chronic low back pain in Post-9/11 female veterans
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Created on 12/1/2020
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Dissertation
- Language: English
- Date: 2020
- Keywords
- Chronic Low Back Pain, Chronic Non-Cancer Pain, Female Veterans, Low Back Pain, Musculoskeletal Pain Conditions, Post-9/11 Veterans
- Subjects
- Chronic pain in women
- Women veterans
- Backache