A Randomized Trial of Musculoskeletal Pain Treatment in a Military Population

Musculoskeletal system conditions are the leading cause of hospitalization and disability for the U.S. Armed Forces. The Department of Defense pays over $1.5 billion per year to disabled service members, and musculoskeletal conditions account for 40-50% of this amount. This study investigates the effectiveness of an interdisciplinary functional restoration approach to the treatment of Active Duty military from all 4 branches suffering from chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP). The primary aims of this Functional and Occupational Rehabilitation Treatment (FORT) Program include restoring physical function, retaining soldiers on active duty, and increasing the participants abilities to effectively manage their pain. These outcomes, as well as socioeconomic variables, are evaluated immediately following treatment, and at 6, 12, and 18 months follow-up.