Although commonly associated with soldiers returning from combat, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can affect anyone who has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. The condition can affect every aspect of a person's life, both mentally and physically, and requires a holistic approach to treatment. Chiropractic adjustments are one tool that many patients use to help alleviate their symptoms and improve their quality of life. 

The Symptoms of PTSD

Everyone experiences PTSD differently. Some people have multiple debilitating symptoms, while for others, the effects of the trauma only appear in specific situations and are easily controlled. 

In general, though, the symptoms of PTSD fall into four categories: avoidance, reactivity, re-experiencing the trauma, and mood and cognition. Avoidance means the person deliberately avoids anything that could trigger reminders of the experience, including thoughts and feelings. Reactivity symptoms include being easily startled and near-constant tension. Re-experiencing trauma includes flashbacks, dreams, and recurring thoughts, while mood and cognition symptoms are similar to those of depression and anxiety—negative thoughts, guilt, and loss of enjoyment.

Many people do not realize the psychological symptoms of PTSD are often exacerbated by physical pain. Ongoing mental struggles may increase muscle tension and related discomforts, worsening existing pain.

Chronic Pain and PTSD

The relationship between pain and PTSD is a vicious cycle. Research indicates that people who have experienced a traumatic injury are more likely to have symptoms of PTSD in addition to pain. Additional research shows that people with both chronic pain and PTSD are twice as likely to have a poor quality of life. 

This is partly due to the cycle of stress and pain. When you experience stress, your body physically responds to negative emotions by tensing and tightening the muscles, which can pull the spine out of alignment. This misalignment and ongoing tension cause pain that can create more stress, creating an ongoing cycle that eventually disrupts your life.

How Chiropractic Adjustments Can Help Reduce PTSD Symptoms

One of the primary purposes of chiropractic adjustments is to alleviate pain by realigning the spine. When the spine is out of alignment, it can put pressure on nerves and cause irritation and inflammation that lead to pain, tingling, and numbness. In addition to aches, pains, and stiffness, aggravated nerves can cause headaches, fatigue, and poor posture and disrupt sleep. 

A chiropractic adjustment aims to realign the spine to reduce the pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Doing so reduces the irritation and associated pain. In time, this can help reduce PTSD-related pain and associated symptoms. 

If you are dealing with PTSD and chronic pain, make an appointment with  Mid Rivers Chiropractic in St. Peters, MO. Chiropractor James Lustig, DC. and his team are committed to providing compassionate, personalized treatment plans for every patient, which include chiropractic adjustments and acupuncture. Learn more about  Dr. Lustig and his 40 years of experience and the services at this practice by calling (636) 279-1400.