PTSD is often thought of as something that only affects the mind, but it can also take a serious toll on the body.
Many people don’t realise that trauma can show up in physical ways, sometimes years after the event when you think you’re totally over it. If you’ve been struggling with unexplained aches, bone-deep exhaustion, or strange bodily reactions, PTSD could be playing a bigger role than you think. There are many different ways post-traumatic stress disorder can manifest physically that you might not be aware of — here are just a few of them.
1. Unexplained muscle tension
People with PTSD often carry tension in their muscles without even realising it. The body gets stuck in fight or flight mode, keeping muscles tight as if danger is just around the corner. Over time, this can lead to chronic pain, stiffness, or even headaches. If you frequently feel tense in your shoulders, neck, or jaw, especially when you’re not doing anything stressful, your body might be holding onto trauma. Stretching, movement, and mindful relaxation techniques can help release some of this built-up tension.
2. Digestive issues that don’t seem to have a cause
The gut and brain are closely linked, so PTSD can wreak havoc on your digestive system. Many people with trauma experience bloating, stomach pain, nausea, or IBS symptoms without a clear medical cause. Stress hormones released during PTSD flare-ups can throw digestion completely off balance. If you find yourself frequently dealing with stomach problems, especially during stressful moments, it could be your body’s way of reacting to past trauma. Keeping track of when symptoms flare up can help you notice patterns and find ways to manage them.
3. Sudden dizziness or feeling lightheaded.
PTSD can make you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or even as if you’re floating outside your own body. This is often a result of hypervigilance — your brain is working overtime to scan for danger, causing your nervous system to react as if something is wrong, even when it isn’t. Episodes of dizziness can also be linked to shallow breathing, which is common in people with PTSD. Taking slow, deep breaths when you start to feel off balance can help ground you in the moment and ease the sensation.
4. Chronic fatigue that doesn’t go away with rest
PTSD keeps your body in a constant state of alertness, which can be exhausting over time. Even if you sleep enough, you might still feel completely drained during the day. It happens because your nervous system never really gets a break, leaving you physically and mentally wiped out. Feeling tired all the time isn’t just about sleep; it’s about how much energy your body is using just to feel safe. Finding ways to relax your nervous system, like meditation or gentle movement, might help ease some of this exhaustion.
5. Regular headaches or migraines
Trauma can show up as tension headaches or migraines, especially during stressful situations. The body holds onto past experiences, and if you’re unconsciously tensing your jaw, shoulders, or neck, it can trigger headaches without you even realising it. If you often get headaches with no clear cause, it might be your body reacting to emotional stress. Keeping a headache diary to track triggers can help you notice patterns related to your PTSD symptoms.
6. Unusual sensitivity to light or sound
People with PTSD can become overly sensitive to bright lights, loud noises, or even certain textures. It happens because their nervous system is on high alert, making everyday stimuli feel overwhelming. Sudden loud noises, in particular, can trigger strong physical reactions like heart racing or panic. If bright lights or background noise make you feel more anxious than they used to, it could be your body reacting to something you see as a threat. Wearing sunglasses, using noise-cancelling headphones, or taking breaks in quieter spaces might help reduce sensory overload.
7. Shortness of breath for no obvious reason
PTSD can cause shallow breathing or even moments where it feels like you can’t catch your breath. This isn’t always linked to panic attacks; it can happen even when you feel relatively calm. When the nervous system is in survival mode, breathing patterns can change without you realising it. If you catch yourself holding your breath or breathing too quickly, try slowing down and focusing on longer exhales. This sends the message to your body that it’s safe, helping to reset your nervous system.
8. Skin conditions that flare up with stress
Trauma can show up on your skin in the form of rashes, eczema, acne, or hives. PTSD increases inflammation in the body, which can make skin conditions worse, especially during periods of heightened stress or anxiety. If you notice that your skin reacts whenever you’re feeling overwhelmed, it could be a sign that your body is processing stress physically. While skincare can help, finding ways to calm your nervous system might reduce flare-ups in the long run.
9. Random aches and pains with no clear cause
Unexplained joint pain, muscle soreness, or body aches can all be linked to PTSD. Trauma is stored in the body, and when the nervous system is constantly tense, it can lead to ongoing discomfort without an obvious injury. If you’ve been to doctors and can’t find a medical reason for your pain, it might be connected to past trauma. Gentle movement, stretching, or even somatic therapy (which focuses on releasing trauma stored in the body) might help.
10. Sudden bursts of adrenaline or feeling jittery
PTSD can cause random surges of adrenaline, making you feel jittery or wired for no apparent reason. Your body might suddenly go into fight-or-flight mode, leaving you feeling restless, shaky, or like you need to escape a situation, even if there’s no real threat. When this happens, grounding techniques like pressing your feet firmly into the floor or holding onto something solid can help bring you back to the present moment.
11. Clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth
Many people with PTSD hold stress in their jaw, either by clenching during the day or grinding their teeth at night. It can lead to jaw pain, headaches, or even dental issues over time. If you wake up with a sore jaw or tension headaches, it might be a sign that your body is carrying stress in your face. Wearing a mouth guard at night or practising relaxation exercises before bed could help ease the tension.
12. A weakened immune system
Living in a constant state of stress can take a toll on your immune system, making you more likely to catch colds or infections. PTSD keeps the body flooded with stress hormones, which can suppress immune function over time. If you’re getting sick more often than usual, it could be linked to how your body is processing trauma. Prioritising rest, nutrition, and stress management can help support your immune health.
13. Feeling either too hot or too cold for no reason
Source: Unsplash PTSD can mess with your body’s ability to regulate temperature. Some people experience hot flashes, sweating, or feeling like their body is overheating, while others constantly feel cold even when it’s warm. It happens because the nervous system affects circulation and body temperature. If you notice extreme temperature changes that don’t seem to match your environment, it could be a sign that your body is reacting to past trauma. Layering clothing or using temperature-regulating techniques like warm baths or cooling pads might help.
14. Trouble falling or staying asleep
PTSD can make sleep incredibly difficult, whether it’s from nightmares, racing thoughts, or just feeling too alert to fully relax. Even if you’re exhausted, your body might resist shutting down because it doesn’t feel safe. Creating a calming bedtime routine and limiting screen time before bed might help, but if sleep problems are ongoing, getting some professional help could make a big difference.
