Strategies for Managing Chronic Pain, Chronic PTSD, and Comorbidities: Reflections on a Case Study Documented over...

Chronic pain and chronic PTSD are often comorbid sequelae in patients who have experienced life-threatening experiences such as combat, assaults, or motor vehicle accidents, presenting lifelong challenges for patients and for medical management in all settings. This article briefly reviews four models for exploring the interrelationships of chronic pain and chronic PTSD. The article presents a longitudinal case study, documented over 10 years, of a patient with chronic back pain, and delayed-onset chronic PTSD related to sexual trauma experienced as a young adult. Data from the case study are examined for evidence in support of the chronic pain/chronic PTSD models. There is evidence to support all four models, with considerable evidence supporting the Mutual Maintenance Model (Sharp & Harvey, in Clinical Psychology Review 21(6): 857-77, 2001). Data show significant recovery over time from both conditions with improvements in function, work, and relationships, in response to Psychodynamic Therapy (PDT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and hypnotic interventions, physical therapy, and pilates-based exercise. Notably, both chronic conditions were addressed simultaneously, with providers working collaboratively and sharing information through the patient. Emphasis is on non-pharmaceutical rehabilitative trauma-informed and patient-centered approaches to care.