Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric condition that develops after exposure to a traumatic event, such as physical or emotional abuse, accidents, combat, or natural disasters.
While it’s natural to experience stress after a traumatic event, people with PTSD find it difficult to recover over time.
Know that, if this sounds familiar to you, healing is possible. With the right support, you can reclaim a life you love.
While every individual’s PTSD symptoms will vary depending on their situation, length of trauma, and genetics, the following symptoms are some of the most common that people experience:
Nearly 7-8% of the U.S. population will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. Without the right support, these symptoms can severely disrupt daily life, especially when chronic pain is also present in the same individual.1
Chronic pain often occurs without an identifiable cause and lasts for at least three months. Some of the most common chronic pain conditions include:2
Wellness and Recovery is a leading provider of mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment in Michigan. We offer co-occurring programs for individuals struggling with PTSD and chronic pain, utilizing evidence-based therapies and holistic approaches to promote healing and recovery.
PTSD and chronic pain often affect each other in bidirectional ways, leading to potential co-occurring disorders in individuals. For example, trauma can heighten pain sensitivity, while chronic pain can trigger or worsen PTSD symptoms.4
Both PTSD and chronic pain share overlapping pathways in the nervous system in the following ways:5
"PTSD can significantly complicate the experience and management of chronic pain. Patients with PTSD often have heightened sensitivity to pain due to the hyperarousal and hypervigilance associated with the condition. This can make pain feel more intense and harder to manage. Additionally, the emotional distress from PTSD, such as anxiety and depression, can exacerbate pain perception and reduce the effectiveness of traditional pain management strategies. At Wellness and Recovery, we address this by integrating trauma-focused therapies and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) into our treatment plans, helping patients process trauma while developing healthier coping mechanisms for co-occurring pain.”
In some cases, individuals turn to substance misuse as a way to numb their pain, both physical and emotional. Unfortunately, this coping mechanism can lead to addiction and additional health complications, making comprehensive treatment even more important.
At Wellness and Recovery, we offer integrated programs that target the root causes of trauma and pain while promoting long-term healing.
"For patients with both PTSD and chronic pain, we use a dual diagnosis approach that addresses both conditions simultaneously. Evidence-based therapies like eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and trauma-focused therapies are highly effective in treating PTSD, while cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) help patients manage co-occurring chronic pain by changing their relationship with pain and developing coping strategies. We also incorporate mindfulness practices like meditation and yoga to reduce stress and improve overall well-being. This holistic approach ensures that both the physical and emotional aspects of these conditions are treated effectively."
Our treatment approach also incorporates several evidence-based therapies designed to help individuals recover from trauma and manage co-occurring chronic pain effectively.
"At Wellness and Recovery, we prioritize non-opioid treatments to manage co-occurring chronic pain in patients with PTSD, reducing the risk of opioid dependence. We use medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with non-opioid medications when appropriate, alongside therapies like trauma-focused therapies to address both pain and trauma. Additionally, we incorporate mindfulness practices, yoga, and recreational therapy to provide natural pain relief and improve emotional resilience. By focusing on holistic, non-addictive treatments, we help patients manage pain safely while supporting their long-term recovery."
Our PHP provides intensive therapy and structured support while allowing individuals to return home in the evenings. This helps individuals gradually reintegrate into their daily routines.
For those seeking flexibility, our IOP offers therapy and support while enabling individuals to maintain work or family commitments.
At Wellness and Recovery, we believe that combining evidence-based treatments with alternative therapies offers the best chance for long-term recovery. Our holistic approach focuses on healing the whole person by addressing both trauma and physical pain at their roots.
We complement these therapies with holistic practices like yoga, mindfulness meditation, and art therapy. These techniques promote relaxation, reduce physical discomfort, and help clients reconnect with their bodies in positive, healing ways.
For those seeking long-term support for co-occurring PTSD and chronic pain, our alumni program offers regular check-ins, peer support groups, and relapse prevention strategies. This sense of community provides clients with a network they can rely on for years to come.
Our team is also here to ensure you’re on the healing journey from mental health or substance use disorders. No matter what you need, we can help you recover.
Our admissions team is available to answer your questions and guide you through the process.
Take the first step toward healing and start your journey to wellness today.
