How to heal the body's PTSD
By Dr. Harris Meyer
Can the body have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)? The American Psychiatric Association published in its diagnostic manual that posttraumatic stress disorder occurs after an intense traumatic episode such as military combat, a life-threatening injury, natural disaster or a violent assault. The individual has a difficult time returning to a normal, calm lifestyle and feels as if the trauma is continuing.
The body's physical health can have a similar reaction. Memories are so strong that the mind and body cannot separate the past from the present. The way we learn to ride a bike is also the same way the nervous system re-patterns the body when a trauma occurs. Consider someone in a severe automobile accident. Not only is it traumatic to the person who fears getting behind the wheel again, but the body also suffers physical damage that may not heal well. Whiplash, sprains and fractures set off a chain of reactions that become memorized by the nervous system creating chronic pain, fixations, insomnia and decreased mobility. With psychiatric PTSD, the memory takes over and the victim is unable to maintain work and personal relationships due to the preoccupation with the past trauma. These emotions also overwhelm the physical body with an increased heart rate, surge in cortisol and a weakened immune system. These reactions hinder the body's healing. Fibromyalgia, a condition characterized by prolonged pain after a major physical trauma, can be described as PTSD of the body. A similar situation can be seen in the high school or college athlete. Being active is touted as a preventive healthy behavior, but common sports injuries that are treated only at the symptom level without full rehabilitation diminish the body's healing blueprint. This is especially problematic at such a young age because the body is neurologically immature. Studies conducted on former athletes who had concussions during their sports careers showed they exhibited memory and mobility problems. Chiropractic care addresses the concerns of posttraumatic stress by emphasizing rebuilding the body. The most unique tool attributed to the chiropractor is the adjustment of the neuromusculoskeletal system to address negative patterns. It is commonly thought that adjustments help alleviate pain, but it can be more accurately described as “spinal hypnosis” by setting up the body for new learning to restore healing. There are a number of factors chiropractic addresses, such as nutrition and toxins that disturb the neurological regulation of the body. Tissues cannot regenerate when the diet is lacking. Also, the influx of toxins not recognized by the immune system overloads the body. While viruses and bacteria are digested by immune cells, chemicals and metals confuse the body to further weaken itself with autoimmune attacks. Learning to modify and manage stress has become very important. We tend to ignore the word “stress” and disregard the subtle cues that our behaviors and patterns are hurting us. To learn more about implementing healthy measures that counteract posttraumatic stress, seek a chiropractic assessment.
Harris Meyer, DC, QME
Body Focus Health Center
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