How Psychological Trauma Affects the Body
When we think about trauma, we often focus on its emotional and mental impacts—the flashbacks, anxiety, and persistent fear. But trauma doesn’t just live in our minds. It affects our bodies, creating a complex web of physical symptoms that can persist long after the traumatic event has passed.
The Brain-Body Connection
When we experience trauma, our brain’s alarm system—the amygdala—goes into overdrive, triggering our fight-or-flight response and flooding the body with stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline (Yehuda et al., 2015). In the moment, this response is protective, but when trauma remains unprocessed, this alarm system can become stuck in the “on” position.
The prefrontal cortex, responsible for rational thinking, may become less active while the amygdala remains hypervigilant (Rauch et al., 2006). This creates a state where the body continues to react as if the threat is still present, even when we’re objectively safe.
Chronic Stress and Physical Health
For trauma survivors, the body may remain in a chronic state of stress. This sustained activation creates what researchers call allostatic load—the wear and tear on the body from prolonged stress (McEwen, 2007). Over time, this may contribute to inflammation, cardiovascular problems, and accelerated aging at the cellular level.
Physical Manifestations
The physical symptoms of trauma are diverse and may affect virtually every body system. Common symptoms include:
Chronic pain, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and back where tension accumulates. Research has found significant associations between childhood trauma and chronic pain conditions in adulthood (Sachs-Ericsson et al., 2017).
Digestive issues may ensue as the gut-brain axis becomes disrupted. Many survivors experience irritable bowel syndrome, nausea, or appetite changes. Studies show that individuals with PTSD have significantly higher rates of gastrointestinal problems (Gradus et al., 2017).
Fatigue may also be a hallmark symptom. The body’s constant state of alertness can be exhausting, often leading to chronic fatigue despite adequate sleep.
Cardiovascular and respiratory symptoms can include rapid heartbeat, chest tightness, shallow breathing, and increased blood pressure, creating a feedback loop where physical sensations trigger more anxiety.
The Immune System
Research shows that trauma may alter immune function. Chronic inflammation associated with prolonged stress has been linked to conditions ranging from autoimmune disorders to heart disease (Danese & McEwen, 2012, Coelho et al., 2014).
Stored in the Body
Traumatic experiences can become encoded in both memory and physical responses. Muscles may hold tension patterns from protective postures. The nervous system may remain dysregulated, oscillating between hyperarousal and shutdown states (Porges, 2011).
Many trauma survivors experience dissociation—feeling disconnected from their bodies, numbness, or difficulty sensing physical needs. This disconnection can make it challenging to recognise and respond to the body’s signals.
The Path to Healing
Understanding that trauma affects the body points toward comprehensive healing approaches. Body-centred therapies are increasingly recognized as essential. Research supports the effectiveness of practices like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing), yoga, and somatic therapies in addressing trauma-related symptoms (Cusack et al., 2016; van der Kolk et al., 2014).
Gentle physical exercise, breathwork, mindfulness practices, and therapeutic bodywork can help discharge stored stress and rebuild a sense of safety in the body.
Moving Forward
The relationship between psychological trauma and physical health is profound. Recognising that trauma-related physical symptoms are real—reflecting the body’s attempt to protect us—is an important first step. With appropriate support, the nervous system can recalibrate, and the body can release what it’s been holding.
If you’re experiencing physical symptoms related to trauma, seeking help is a sign of strength.
Healing acknowledges both the psychological and physical dimensions of trauma, honouring the deep connection between mind and body.
References:
Coelho, R., Viola, T. W., Walss-Bass, C., Brietzke, E., & Grassi-Oliveira, R. (2014). Childhood maltreatment and inflammatory markers: A systematic review. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 129(3), 180-192.
Cusack, K., Jonas, D. E., Forneris, C. A., et al. (2016). Psychological treatments for adults with posttraumatic stress disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 43, 128-141.
Danese, A., & McEwen, B. S. (2012). Adverse childhood experiences, allostasis, allostatic load, and age-related disease. Physiology & Behaviour, 106(1), 29-39.
Gradus, J. L., Farkas, D. K., Svensson, E., et al. (2017). Associations between stress disorders and cardiovascular disease events in the Danish population. BMJ Open, 7(12), e017285.
McEwen, B. S. (2007). Physiology and neurobiology of stress and adaptation: Central role of the brain. Physiological Reviews, 87(3), 873-904.
Porges, S. W. (2011). The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, and Self-regulation. W. W. Norton & Company.
Rauch, S. L., Shin, L. M., & Phelps, E. A. (2006). Neurocircuitry models of posttraumatic stress disorder and extinction: Human neuroimaging research—past, present, and future. Biological Psychiatry, 60(4), 376-382.
Sachs-Ericsson, N. J., Sheffler, J. L., Stanley, I. H., Piazza, J. R., & Preacher, K. J. (2017). When emotional pain becomes physical: Adverse childhood experiences, pain, and the role of mood and anxiety disorders. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 73(10), 1403-1428.
Van der Kolk, B. A., Stone, L., West, J., et al. (2014). Yoga as an adjunctive treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 75(6), e559-e565.
Yehuda, R., Hoge, C. W., McFarlane, A. C., et al. (2015). Post-traumatic stress disorder. Nature Reviews Disease Primers, 1, 15057.