Chiropractic Care and PTSD
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a serious condition that can be the result of an injury or being witness to a horrific event. It can happen in the first few weeks after an event, or even years later. It is often associated with military personal and veterans. However, studies show that even young children can experience PTSD, but the symptoms can manifest differently.
In this article we are going to focus on veterans and chiropractic care for PTSD, since that is the theme for this month’s wellness. We don’t want to exclude or dismiss the fact that PTSD can affect anyone of any age. Also, not everyone who experiences trauma will also experience PTSD. Chiropractic care can help people of all ages, even new born babies and toddlers, with a multitude of health issues and wellness.
Let’s take a look at the symptoms and solutions for PTSD and also provide resources for receiving that care.
Symptoms of PTSD
Like stress and anxiety, PTSD affects people differently and can show up in many ways. However, there are some common things to look for. It is also important to note that often people will not readily recognize PTSD because they think it is a “normal” reaction to a traumatic event. It is normal to feel frightened after going through a traumatic event. However, PTSD is much more severe and can last a long time if left untreated. Symptoms can include:
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Re-experiencing symptoms. This can include flashbacks, bad dreams, and frightening thoughts.
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Avoidance symptoms. Avoiding places, events, or objects that are reminders of the experience and/or avoiding thoughts or feelings related to the traumatic event.
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Arousal and reactivity symptoms. This includes being easily startled, feeling tense or “on edge.” having difficulty sleeping, and/or having angry outbursts.
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Cognition and mood symptoms. Trouble remembering aspects of the traumatic event, negative thoughts about oneself or the world, distorted feelings like guilt or blame, or loss of interest in enjoyable activities.
After reviewing this list it is easy to see how PTSD can severely affect your life and the lives of your loved ones. It is difficult to live with, but fortunately there are healthy ways to treat it.
Treating PTSD
There are several holistic and non-evasive ways to treat PTSD. Let’s look at some of them.
Chiropractic Care and PTSD
The spine is the super highway of the body for all of our nerves. Anyone who has ever been “stressed out” knows that nerves affect so many parts of the body; emotionally and physically. We have treated people in our office who are experiencing stress, anxiety, and other emotional symptoms and when we look at their spine, it resembles that of someone who has experienced a physical trauma. Our emotions are so powerful!
This is the root of why and how chiropractic care can help with PTSD. Someone who is struggling with PTSD is fighting on a daily basis against negative emotions. This struggle is exhausting and can result in extremely tense muscles. If your back muscles are working over time to support the spine, this can pull your spine out of alignment or simply create nerve interference. It’s like a road block on a highway.
When your body is in alignment it is in a much better position to help you deal with all of your emotional and health issues. The mind-body connection is a very important piece to address when working on emotional health.
CLICK HERE to review the research
Meditation and Yoga
Meditation and Yoga are excellent ways to combat stress and anxiety. People who are suffering from PTSD are often in a state of anxiety or worry. Learning to relax your body and mind through the gentle practice of mediation and/or yoga can be extremely helpful.
Resources: The Whole Veterans Act
Our previous article discusses The Whole Veterans’ Act. This provides full-coverage care (zero cost to you) to veterans for things like Chiropractic Care, acupuncture, massage therapy, yoga and much more.
Veterans can make appointments with participating care providers to get these much needed holistic health services. Click here for a list of the steps to take advantage of this program.
We at Moore Life Health and Healing support this Act and have a passion for treating local veterans. Please call us if you are interesting in chiropractic care and learning how you or a loved one can get these services through the The Whole Veterans Act. We look forward to hearing from you. (517) 781-4884
Thank you for serving!