You might associate PTSD, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, with military veterans who have returned from combat. While that is certainly one of the more common causes of the mental health disorder, it is far from the only one. You can develop PTSD from experiencing any event that is extremely stressful, such as witnessing a crime, suffering an assault, being involved in a bad car accident, surviving a serious illness, or even experiencing a tumultuous relationship.
Therefore, PTSD is more common than many of us believe. Sufferers of PTSD experience the following symptoms, many of which are linked to nervous system damage:
- Nightmares, flashbacks, or intrusive thoughts related to situations, thoughts, or objects that remind the sufferer of the traumatic event
- Avoidance of places, things, or events that remind the sufferer of the event
- Depression, negative thoughts, guilt, and impaired memory
- Difficulty sleeping
- Angry outbursts
- Severe anxiety or panic attacks
Physical symptoms might also occur along with mental health impacts, for two reasons: First, many traumatic events that trigger PTSD also carry the risk for bodily injury (such as military combat, serious car accidents, and other physical trauma). Second, because the body’s stress hormones are constantly activated by anxiety, nightmares, flashbacks and other experiences, the PTSD sufferer can eventually develop adrenal fatigue along with aches and pains in the body.
Depending upon the PTSD patient’s exact symptoms (and injuries, if any), chiropractic care can relieve misalignments and pressure on the nerves. Improving blood flow and communication within the nervous system can help to improve nervous system function and relieve some of the secondary effects of PTSD.
Research into chiropractic care and PTSD continues to unearth promising new treatment modalities. If you’re suffering from PTSD, schedule an appointment with us to discuss your exact symptoms and the ways in which chiropractic adjustments can provide some relief in your situation.