Washington, D.C. – In the latest episode of the PTSD Bytes podcast, host Dr. Colleen Becket-Davenport delves into the intricate relationship between PTSD and chronic pain with two prominent experts: Dr. Jennifer Murphy, national director of VA’s Pain Management program and lead author of VA’s Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain (CBT-CP) initiative, and Dr. Katie Hadlandsmyth, clinical pain psychologist and health services researcher at the Iowa City VA and the University of Iowa. The episode provides Veterans and listeners with valuable insights into managing these often co-occurring conditions.
Understanding chronic pain
While many people think of pain as a temporary condition caused by injury, chronic pain lasts longer than three months and can persist for years. About one in four Americans suffer from chronic pain, with Veterans experiencing even higher rates. Chronic pain affects not only physical health but also personal relationships, mood, and daily activities.
Pain psychologists play a vital role in helping individuals manage chronic pain. They guide patients on how to better understand their pain and find strategies to reduce its interference with daily life. Contrary to what many believe, avoiding activities can sometimes worsen pain over time, making it crucial to find a balanced approach.
PTSD and chronic pain: A complex connection
Veterans with PTSD often report chronic pain, with around 50% experiencing both conditions. Research suggests that trauma can heighten the nervous system’s sensitivity to pain, with childhood trauma potentially increasing the risk of chronic pain later in life. The symptoms of PTSD and chronic pain frequently intensify each other, further complicating treatment and quality of life.
Both conditions are often misunderstood because their symptoms aren’t always visible. Many people with chronic pain feel dismissed, making it harder to seek proper care.
To learn more about how telemental health is also reshaping PTSD treatment for Veterans, read this article here.
Treating PTSD and chronic pain together
Veterans with both PTSD and chronic pain benefit most from coordinated care across multiple healthcare providers. This might include mental health specialists, primary care physicians, and pain clinics working together. At VA, an increasingly available approach is combined treatment, where a single provider or team addresses both conditions simultaneously, offering Veterans a more integrated form of care.
In addition to traditional treatments, VA offers a variety of non-pharmacological and self-management tools. One of these is the VA Pain Coach app, which provides educational resources, relaxation techniques, and personalized daily check-ins to help Veterans manage their pain and reach their goals.
Supporting Veterans in need
For Veterans in crisis or supporting a loved one, help is available through the Veterans Crisis Line by calling 988 and pressing 1 or chatting online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/chat.