Did you know that Veterans are 2–3 times more likely to experience chronic pain than the general population? For women Veterans, they experience a higher rate of approximately 50%.  

For many Veterans, living with pain is not just a medical condition — it is part of daily life. The military’s mission-before-self culture often leads Veterans to push through severe pain to complete tasks that support their families, teams, or communities. While this dedication is a source of strength, it can also shape how Veterans experience and manage chronic pain.  

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Transitioning to Civilian Care 

When military service ends, Veterans move from federally funded and delivered health care to provincial or territorial systems. This transition can be difficult. Common challenges include: 

·       Difficulty finding a family physician 

·       Delays in transferring medical records 

·       Feelings of distrust toward government systems, especially if Veterans have experienced moral injury, discrimination, or violence during service  

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How can care providers better support Veterans? 

Transparency in care is critical. For example, when physicians are open about wait times for specialists or surgeries, it helps build trust and improve the care experience.  

Stigma around receiving care 

In military culture, seeking help for pain can sometimes be associated with weakness or with not“ pulling one’s weight.” Combined with the difficulty of finding the right health professionals, many Veterans continue daily life while enduring significant pain. 

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 Support and Resources 

No Veteran should have to face chronic pain alone. On our Key Resources page, you’ll find information and tools for: 

·       Veterans 

·       Clinicians 

·       Researchers 

·       Family members 

 These resources are designed to support better pain management and care. 

Veteran and Research Database  

If you are Veteran interested in contributing to research, The CPCoE is building its Veteran Partner Database and is seeking Veterans to join as Veteran Research Partners. By participating, you can help shape research priorities, ensure findings reach the people who need them most, and continue to serve your community in meaningful ways.  

Sign up today

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 As National Pain Awareness Week 2025 is coming to a close, we hope this article inspires at least one person to seek the support they need while living with chronic pain. 

The Most Painful Podcast 

For deeper insights, tune into The Most Painful Podcast. We explore evidence-based information on chronic pain through a 360-degree lens—helping Veterans ,clinicians, researchers, and anyone living with chronic pain. Episodes cover topics such as: 

·       Cannabis and psychedelics: Can they help treat chronic pain? 

·       The role of back surgery 

·       Military identity and how it compares to professional athletes’ experiences 

 Checkout the podcast here. 

 Supporting resources: 

https://www.veteranschronicpain.ca/knowledge-mobilization#BTA 

https://www.paincanada.ca/media-kits/national-pain-awareness-week 

https://www.cmaj.ca/content/196/23/E792 

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