PTSD is associated with emotional and psychological distress, but its effects can extend well beyond mental health. Ongoing exposure to trauma-related stress responses may influence sleep and cardiovascular health and can contribute to chronic pain or other physical symptoms over time. Here is a closer look at the ways PTSD may impact physical health:
Changing the Stress System
To understand why your body reacts the way it does, you have to look at your nervous system. When humans face a threat, the body activates a fight-or-flight response to help us survive. This releases powerful chemicals like adrenaline and cortisol, which make your heart beat faster and your muscles tighten. In a typical situation, this system turns off once you are safe, and your body relaxes.
For someone with PTSD, that “off” switch does not work the way it should. The body continues to react as if it is in danger, even when they are sitting safely in their living room. This means the system is constantly flooded with stress hormones, which puts a heavy load on the organs.
Exploring Physical Symptoms
Your system is constantly on alert for threats, which can lead to various aches and pains. These are some of the frequent physical signs that indicate your body is holding onto trauma:
- Muscle Tension and Pain: You may feel constant tightness in your neck, shoulders, or back because your muscles are continually guarding against perceived threats.
- Digestive Issues: Stress hormones can disrupt your digestion, leading to stomach aches, nausea, or conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- Chronic Fatigue: Being on high alert uses a massive amount of energy, often leaving individuals feeling exhausted even after sleep.
- Headaches and Migraines: The combination of muscle tension and chemical changes in the brain may trigger frequent or severe headaches.
- Heart Palpitations: You may feel your heart racing or pounding in your chest even when you are not exercising or moving around.
These signs are your body’s way of telling you that it is under too much pressure and needs support to regulate PTSD.
Reducing Long-Term Health Risks
If the body remains in PTSD for a long time, it can lead to serious medical issues beyond daily aches and pains. Heart disease is a key concern because chronic stress raises blood pressure and damages blood vessels. Studies show that people with post-traumatic stress disorder have a higher chance of heart attacks and strokes compared to those without it.
Your immune system can also weaken when you are under stress for a long time. This makes you more likely to catch colds, flus, or other infections because your body cannot fight them off. Chronic pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia, are also more common in trauma survivors. The nervous system becomes extra sensitive to pain signals, turning minor discomfort into significant pain.
Get Support for PTSD Today
Healing from trauma requires caring for your mind and body. You have to recognize that your physical symptoms are real and that they deserve attention just as much as your emotions do. Reducing the stress on your physical systems will improve your long-term health, make you feel stronger, and help you handle daily life. Contact a qualified psychiatrist in your area to book your appointment and get support for PTSD today.
