The Connection Between PTSD and Pain

The Connection Between PTSD and Pain PTSD Related Conditions Print How Pain and PTSD Occur Together By Matthew Tull, PhD twitter Matthew Tull, PhD is a professor of psychology at the University of Toledo, specializing in post-traumatic stress disorder. Learn about our editorial policy Matthew Tull, PhD Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD on January 23, 2020 twitter linkedin Daniel B. Block, MD, is an award-winning, board-certified psychiatrist who operates a private practice in Pennsylvania. Learn about our Medical Review Board Daniel B. Block, MD on January 23, 2020 Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Overview Symptoms & Diagnosis Causes & Risk Factors Treatment Living With In Children Tom Merton/Getty Images If you have posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), your doctor may have explained that youre at higher risk for other health problems such as depression and heart disease. But you may be surprised to learn that people with PTSD are also more likely to have problems with pain than people who dont.?? Whats the story behind PTSD and pain? PTSD and Pain Frequency Studies show that pain is one of the most common physical problems reported by people with PTSD.?? This finding holds true no matter what types of traumatic events they experiencedâ€"for example, a motor vehicle accident, physical assault, or combat injury. People with PTSD are also more likely to report pain-related disability. In one study of volunteer firefighters with PTSD, approximately 50% were having pain (mainly back pain) compared with only about 20% of firefighters without PTSD.In two other studies, from 20% to 30% of patients with PTSD had frequent and chronic pain symptoms. You can also look at this situation in reverse. Many patients with chronic pain problems also have PTSD. In fact, from 10 percent to 50 percent of people getting treatment for chronic pain have PTSD as well. These rates of PTSD are higher than those found in the general population.?? Why Do They Occur Together? One reason is obvious: Many traumatic events cause pain. Severe traumatic events, such as living through a natural disaster, physical assault, or combat, can inflict serious injuries that lead to chronic pain. The more severe the traumatic event, the more likely it is that severe injury, along with PTSD, will result. The second reason why PTSD and pain occur together so often isnt as obvious, but its just as important to know: Some symptoms of PTSD may cause pain. For example, PTSD-related hyperarousal symptoms often cause tense muscle pain that can become chronic. Then theres the pain that can be caused by other disorders that commonly occur with PTSD, such as depression, which is common in people with PTSD?? and can make them more likely to avoid or scale down physical activities that were helping them stay fit. This may result in poorer health and even disability--increasing their risk of developing pain problems. Treat Both for Best Results If you have both PTSD and pain, getting treatment for both can make a big difference in how you feel. Since PTSD symptoms can give rise to pain, getting treatment for them may help you prevent or reduce pain problems. Considering PTSD treatment? You can use  the Anxiety Disorder Association of America to find PTSD treatment providers in your area. If you already have trauma-related pain and PTSD, getting treatment may help with two types of problems: Your physical painThe upsetting PTSD symptoms pain from trauma can trigger, such as memories or thoughts about your traumatic event The 9 Best Online Therapy Programs