Veterans suffering back problems offered free help

For American soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, chronic back pain is an all too common complaint.

It’s estimated that in the Army alone, back injuries affect more than 150,000 active-duty soldiers a year.

The Chicago Institute of Neurosurgery and Neuroresearch is trying to ease that burden.

     The center is offering a free consultation and physical therapy session to servicemen and women who have been on active duty in Iraq or Afghanistan and suffer from chronic back pain. Those who need surgery or other forms of therapy may also qualify for reduced-cost care.

Soldiers can develop serious back problems as a result of carrying heavy equipment and sitting or crouching in the same position for long periods, said Dr. Edward Mkrdichian, a neurosurgeon at the institute.

Mkrdichian especially wanted to help injured soldiers because of his ties to Iraq. He fled Iraq with his family in 1971, he said.

"I wanted to give something back to these people who went there and sacrificed their life, let alone their health and family, to liberate Iraq," he said.

For more information, call 800 411-2466 or go to cinn.org.