As an osteopathic physician with an interest in integrative approaches to healing, I find it crucial to explore the intricate relationship between trauma, chronic pain, and emerging therapeutic modalities. In this post, we’ll delve into the medical definitions of trauma-related conditions and chronic pain syndromes, and discuss how body-based therapies and psychedelic treatments show promise in addressing these complex issues.
Understanding Trauma and Its Aftermath
Trauma, from a medical standpoint, refers to an event that can pierce into the integrity of an individual or a group, causing distress, feelings of helplessness, horror, or intense fear reactions[2]. The aftermath of trauma can manifest in various ways, including:
Acute Stress Reaction (ASR)
ASR is a transient condition developing in response to a traumatic event. Symptoms begin within minutes of the traumatic event and typically disappear within days. These may include a state of ‘daze’, narrowed attention, reduced consciousness, disorientation, agitation, depression, or anxiety symptoms[3].
Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)
ASD refers to the initial traumatic symptoms arising immediately after a traumatic event, lasting from 3 days to 1 month[5]. Symptoms include severe anxiety, dissociation, flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance behaviors[5].
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is a long-lasting anxiety response following a traumatic event. It’s characterized by intrusive thoughts, avoidance of reminders, negative effects on mood and cognition, and alterations in arousal and reactivity[1]. PTSD can only be diagnosed if symptoms persist for more than a month[5].
Chronic Pain and Related Conditions
Chronic pain often intersects with trauma-related disorders, creating a complex web of physical and psychological symptoms. Let’s explore some related conditions:
Chronic Pain Syndrome
Chronic pain is defined as pain persisting beyond the normal tissue healing time, typically considered to be 3 months. It can lead to significant physical, psychological, and social consequences[9].
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory, and mood issues. Research suggests it’s related to amplified pain sensations processed by the brain[10].
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
Also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), CFS is a complex disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that can’t be explained by any underlying medical condition. The fatigue may worsen with physical or mental activity but doesn’t improve with rest[10].
The Interface Between Trauma, Chronic Pain, and Related Conditions
Research increasingly suggests a bidirectional relationship between trauma-related disorders and chronic pain conditions. For instance, individuals with PTSD are more likely to develop chronic pain, and those with chronic pain are at higher risk for developing PTSD[9].
Promising Therapeutic Approaches
Body-Based Therapies
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) and other body-based therapies have shown promise in addressing both trauma-related symptoms and chronic pain. These approaches work on the principle that trauma and stress are stored in the body, and physical interventions can help release this stored tension[9].
Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
Emerging research suggests that psychedelic-assisted therapy may offer new avenues for treating both trauma-related disorders and chronic pain conditions. For instance, MDMA-assisted psychotherapy has shown promising results in treating PTSD, while ketamine has demonstrated efficacy in treating both PTSD and chronic pain[10].
As we continue to unpack the complex relationships between trauma, chronic pain, and related conditions, it’s clear that integrative approaches combining body-based therapies and innovative treatments like psychedelic-assisted therapy may offer new hope for those suffering from these challenging conditions.
Remember, while these approaches show promise, they should always be pursued under the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals. As an osteopathic physician, I’m excited (and cautious) about the potential of these integrative approaches to help our patients find relief and healing.
Citations:
[1] https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/pediatrics/psychiatric-disorders-in-children-and-adolescents/acute-and-posttraumatic-stress-disorders-asd-and-ptsd-in-children-and-adolescents
[2] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9180718/
[3] https://crufad.org/for-clinicians/trauma/
[4] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/156285
[5] https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/mental-health/acute-stress-disorder/acute-stress-disorder-vs-ptsd/
[6] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355973
[7] https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/ptsd/what-is-ptsd
[8] https://www.apa.org/topics/ptsd
[9] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2746940/
[10] https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/essentials/history_ptsd.asp
Dr J Anderson DO
psychedelicosteopath@gmail.com
The Psychedelic Osteopath 