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The Connection Between Joint Pain and PTSD

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Posted: Sep 20, 2019 | by admin | 0 Comment

ptsd and joint painIt is not uncommon for people who deal with regular joint pain to have other health issues. Whether joint pain is an additional symptom of a serious illness or medical problems arise from having arthritis or a joint-related injury, it’s important to be aware of everything you experience for proper treatment. Joint pain has connections with a number of conditions, including PTSD.

What is PTSD?

PTSD stands for post-traumatic stress disorder. This condition is also known as “shell shock,” so named to describe soldiers who have suffered it after combat, particularly the two world wars. PTSD isn’t limited to military and veterans, however. People who have experienced and/or witnessed violence and terrorism, assault, and serious accidents may also deal with the effects.

Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder include:

  • Difficulty sleeping at night and concentrating on work during the day
  • Distress as a result of nightmares and memories related to the harmful events
  • Depression, reduced self-confidence, and/or feelings of guilt

PTSD and Pain

Though PTSD is a psychological disorder, body pain can have a place in the negative effects once experiences. This is especially true if one suffered an injury in a vehicular accident, a house fire, or another tragic event. According to VeryWell Mind, certain PTSD symptoms fall under the umbrella of hyperarousal. These may include:

  • Anxiety
  • Irritability
  • Panic attacks
  • Outbursts of anger

Such behaviors can cause tenseness in muscles, which in turn may lead to chronic pain.

At Bon Secours Virginia Orthopaedic and Spine Specialists, our physicians and staff work with patients who suffer varying degrees of joint pain, brought on by age, illness or injury. While not everybody who comes to us has post-traumatic stress disorder, the Bon Secours system offers a full continuum of care for patients who need help managing multiple issues. We offer different options for joint pain management so patients get the care they need.

If you have questions about our programs, contact us today.

Sources: American Psychiatric Association, Anxiety and Depression Association of America

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