7 Physical Symptoms of PTSD in Veterans

By Telemedica

10/31/2024

Mental Health

Physical Conditions

Veteran Resources

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is primarily known for its psychological, emotional, and mood symptoms, but it can have a significant impact on your life in other ways.

PTSD can lead to physical symptoms that affect daily life, from trouble sleeping and muscle tension to chronic pain and digestive issues.

Recognizing when physical signs of PTSD manifest will help ensure you receive the proper care and treatment.

This guide will cover seven physical symptoms of PTSD in veterans, treatment options, and why it’s essential to reach out to your doctor.

PTSD in Veterans

If you’ve witnessed or experienced a traumatic event, you’re at risk of developing PTSD. People with PTSD may experience angry outbursts, negative thoughts, avoidance symptoms, and are easily startled.

Research shows that at some point in their life, 7 out of 10 veterans will have PTSD. The number of veterans with PTSD varies by service era, with a significant number from Operations Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Enduring Freedom (OEF).

Risk factors for PTSD include, but are not limited to:

Deployment

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)

Reintegration stress

Lack of support system

Physical and sexual abuse (i.e., Military sexual trauma)

Childhood abuse

Substance abuse

Experiencing a natural disaster

While combat veterans may be more prone to experiencing PTSD, you don’t have to serve on the front lines to develop a mental illness.

How a Traumatic Event is Linked to Physical Health Problems

PTSD is often much more than a mental health condition. Traumatic events have a lasting impact on more than just the mind; they can also profoundly affect physical health.

When you experience trauma, your body’s stress response kicks into overdrive, leading to physical symptoms that persist long after the initial event.

For veterans with PTSD, these symptoms are often amplified, affecting everything from heart health to immune function.

Research has shown that trauma can lead to conditions such as chronic pain, cardiovascular issues, digestive problems, and even compromised immunity.

Chronic Pain

Many veterans with PTSD experience chronic pain, which can affect various parts of the body. Chronic pain occurs when you have pain in one or more areas of your body for at least three to six months.

When you are constantly in “fight or flight” mode, your muscles tense up, and you’re more prone to strain and injury, creating persistent pain over time.

Veterans with PTSD are more likely to report chronic pain, which can exacerbate other physical and mental health symptoms.

If you have chronic pain, it’s a great idea to keep a “pain diary,” where you can record patterns of pain, effective management techniques, and the effect it has on your daily life.

Examples of chronic pain include:

Headaches

Muscle Tension

Joint Pain

Back Pain

Neck Pain

Pelvic Pain

Fibromyalgia

Chronic pain is treated in various ways, depending on your type of pain, the cause of your pain (if known), and your age and overall health. However, most chronic pain is treated with medication, lifestyle changes, or therapies.

Gastrointestinal Problems

Gastrointestinal (GI) problems are common among veterans with PTSD because the digestive system is sensitive to stress and anxiety. Emotions cause chemical and physical responses in the body, frequently resulting in pain and discomfort.

For example, research shows that patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) were found to have high rates of trauma history and PTSD.

Common GI problems include:

Nausea

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Acid Reflux

Constipation

Most GI problems can be resolved with diet modifications, therapy, or medication. However, if you’re concerned about digestive system issues, following up with your doctor is vital.

Respiratory Symptoms

A 2011 study shows that trauma exposure and PTSD are associated with self-reported asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The same study found that subjects with PTSD had significantly higher odds ratios for most asthma-related symptoms than subjects without PTSD. (If you have PTSD, you’re more than just a study, but statistics show you aren’t alone.)

Additional respiratory symptoms include:

Shortness of Breath

Rapid or Shallow Breath

Hyperventilation

Tightness in the Chest

Coughing

If you have breathing problems, you must seek help immediately. Never wait to see what develops.

Cardiovascular Issues

Veterans with PTSD have been reported to have an increased risk of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity, and cardiovascular disease, likely due to interacting behavioral and physiological mechanisms.

When your body is under prolonged stress, it produces increased levels of adrenaline and cortisol, which raise blood pressure and strain the heart.

Veterans who have undergone stressful and traumatic situations often carry this physical stress into daily life, making cardiovascular health a significant concern.

PTSD can significantly impact your cardiovascular system, leading to symptoms like:

Increased Heart Rate

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Chest Pain

Obesity

You must address cardiovascular issues because stress can significantly impact your heart.

Sleep Disturbances

Many people have sleep troubles, but you’re more likely to develop sleep disturbances if you’ve been through a traumatic event.

The National Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Study found that 52% of combat veterans with PTSD experienced significant nightmares.

Examples of sleep problems due to PTSD include:

Chronic Insomnia

Nightmares

Sleep Apnea

Restless Leg Syndrome

Difficulty falling asleep

If you have PTSD and are concerned about sleep apnea, consider seeing your doctor if:

Your partner/spouse complains about you snoring or notices you have pauses in breath during your sleep

You wake up gasping or choking during the night

You wake up tired even after a whole night’s sleep

You struggle to stay awake during the day

Immune System Suppression

Chronic stress can weaken the immune system, increasing your risk of autoimmune disease. You may also experience frequent colds, flu, or other infections due to a compromised immune system.

In addition, PTSD may increase inflammatory markers and reduce anti-inflammatory ones.

Examples of higher-level inflammatory markers include:

C-reactive protein

interleukin 6

tumor necrosis factor-alpha

Regular check-ups and a balanced lifestyle are essential for reducing illness frequency and supporting long-term health.

Fatigue or Low Energy

It’s common for veterans with PTSD to experience fatigue and low energy, affecting their quality of life. Symptoms may range from difficulty concentrating to feeling emotionally numb.

Chronic stress and poor sleep frequently lead to low energy levels and persistent fatigue, making daily life challenging.

Research shows that stress can lead to mental fatigue, affecting your ability to think, process and regulate emotions, and solve problems.

It’s important to note that fatigue isn’t just tiredness but a significant lack of energy that impacts all aspects of life.

Seeking Help for Physical PTSD Symptoms

You should never ignore unexplained pain in your body. Most physical symptoms of PTSD are easily managed with a variety of effective treatments, including medication and therapy.

For example, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved two selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to help treat PTSD symptoms.

By speaking with your doctor or a mental health professional, you can ensure effective management and treatment, leading to a better quality of life.

If you use VA medical services, you should ask your primary care provider to help make an appointment with a VA mental health provider. Contact the closest VA medical center or Vet Center if you’re not already using VA medical services.

If you’re unsure about the resources you need, don’t hesitate to call 877-222-8387 for assistance. They’re available Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 8:00 pm EST.

Veterans Crisis Line

If you need immediate assistance day or night, you can contact the Veterans Crisis Line by:

Dialing 988 and selecting 1

Texting 838255

Starting a confidential chat online

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for a medical emergency. You can also go to the nearest VA medical center, regardless of your discharge status or enrollment in VA healthcare.

Managing Physical Symptoms of PTSD

Since everyone’s journey with PTSD is unique, the way you manage it also will be. Common ways to manage physical symptoms of PTSD include:

Medical Treatment

Mind-body Practices (i.e., yoga, tai chi, and meditation)

Physical Therapy

Lifestyle Changes (i.e., getting quality sleep, eating a balanced diet, exercising, etc.)

Support Groups and Peer Counseling

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Identifying PTSD Triggers

A 2023 study found that individuals with higher levels of physical activity have better mental health status after a traumatic event than those who don’t regularly engage in physical activity.

Remember to always consult your doctor about the best way to manage your PTSD.

VA PTSD Resources

It’s never too late to receive help for PTSD, and getting help may prove vital to managing your symptoms.

The VA has over 200 PTSD treatment programs across the country that offer:

1-to-1 mental health assessment and testing to figure out if you have PTSD

Medicine proven to work for treating PTSD

1-to-1 psychotherapy (also called talk therapy). This includes proven methods like Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT).

1-to-1 family therapy

Group therapy for special needs, like anger or stress management, or combat support

Group therapy for Veterans who served in certain combat zones or who’ve been through similar traumas

The VA healthcare program covers VA PTSD resources. If you don’t have VA healthcare, you can apply here.

Note: You still have options if you don’t have VA healthcare. It’s best to contact a Vet Center near you who can help guide you in the right direction.

Conclusion

Understanding that PTSD affects the mind and body is vital. You should never ignore physical symptoms, especially if they interfere with daily life.

Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for providing comprehensive care that addresses mental and physical health.

It’s not always easy admitting something is wrong. But remember, being vulnerable is being strong.