<div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Senator Jacqui Lambie has been told to undergo spinal surgery, and will miss the last two parliamentary sitting terms of the year as a result.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The independent Tasmanian senator has battled a chronic back condition since an injury sustained during a training exercise when she was a member of the Australian Army.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>According to a statement from Lambie's office released this afternoon, the condition of her back has deteriorated in the last three months.</span></div></div><div><div id="adspot-mobile-medium"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/world/trump-says-hes-ending-trade-talks-with-canada-over-tv-ads/5619d287-0cc8-44b2-b473-84299bf8326a"><strong><span>An ad just made Trump so mad he cancelled trade talks with an entire country</span></strong></a><strong><span></span></strong></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"Her surgeon has confirmed that she will undergo spinal surgery in the coming weeks," the statement read.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Lambie's doctors have ordered bed rest and minimal movement until the operation.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"Therefore, she will not be present in parliament for the final sitting weeks of the year," her office said.</span></div></div><div><div class="OUTBRAIN" data-reactroot="" data-src="//www.9news.com.au/national/jacqui-lambie-spinal-surgery/12c8dbed-659f-4fd9-b053-a43b1c3db6c0" data-widget-id="AR_5"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"Jacqui's parliamentary advisory team will be in Canberra for the sitting weeks to ensure that Senator Lambie's work will continue for the people of Tasmania and the veteran community."</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/environment-protection-laws-murray-watt-federal-government-opposition-greens/03afcfe2-4f70-4812-b9dd-6ff5e9efae37"><strong><span>Stoush over new laws could jeopardise crucial $13 billion deal: minister</span></strong></a><strong><span></span></strong></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>After enlisting in the army as an 18-year-old, Lambie was medically discharged 11 years later, in 2000, due to her back injury, which she said left her unable to move some days.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>A year later, the Department of Veterans' Affairs cancelled her military pension, saying she was no longer injured.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Lambie has previously opened up on the toll the injury took on her, leading to heavy painkiller use and a suicide attempt in 2009.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>After successfully fighting to overturn the DVA's decision through the courts, Lambie won a seat in the Senate and has become one of the most prominent advocates in parliament for veterans' rights.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>Readers seeking support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyond blue on 1300 22 4636. Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.</span></strong></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>If you are a current or former ADF member, or a relative, and need counselling or support, you can contact the Defence All-Hours Support Line on 1800 628 036 or Open Arms on 1800 011 046.</span></strong></div></div>