How Trauma Manifests in the Body: 4 Physical Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Trauma is often thought of as an emotional or psychological experience, but its effects go far beyond the mind. The body holds onto trauma in complex and sometimes silent ways, manifesting in physical symptoms that can puzzle even medical professionals. When these symptoms are persistent and unexplained, they may point to deeper, unresolved stress or traumatic experiences. Let’s explore four major ways trauma can show up in the body.

1. Chronic Pain Without a Clear Cause

Have you ever experienced persistent aches or pains with no apparent medical explanation? Trauma might be the underlying reason. Traumatic experiences can lead to long-term changes in how the brain and body process pain.

When the nervous system becomes hyperactive — a common aftermath of trauma — it can get stuck in “high alert” mode. This means the brain continues to send out pain signals even in the absence of actual physical harm, a phenomenon known as central sensitization. Muscles may remain tense for extended periods, and inflammation may become chronic, contributing to conditions like fibromyalgia or nonspecific back pain.

2. Dysfunctional Breathing Patterns

Another less recognized manifestation of trauma is disrupted breathing. This often shows up as hyperventilation syndrome, where a person breathes too rapidly or deeply, sometimes without even noticing. This over-breathing throws off the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, which can cause symptoms such as:

• Chest tightness or pain
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Tingling in the hands or feet
• Numbness
• Sudden feelings of panic

People with a history of trauma may develop an unconscious habit of breathing this way, especially when under stress, reinforcing a cycle of physical discomfort and anxiety.

3. Gastrointestinal (GI) Distress

The gut and brain are intimately connected — so much so that the gut is often referred to as our “second brain” When someone experiences trauma, the stress response can disrupt normal digestive function. Over time, this can result in a range of gastrointestinal issues, including:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Peptic ulcers
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Other functional GI disorders

These conditions may flare up or worsen during periods of emotional distress, highlighting the powerful connection between mental health and digestive health.

4. Disturbed Sleep Patterns

Trauma can dramatically interfere with sleep. People dealing with traumatic stress often struggle with insomnia, nightmares, or restless sleep. This happens because trauma keeps the body in a state of hyperarousal, where adrenaline levels remain high, and the brain is constantly scanning for threats — even during rest.

As a result, individuals may:

• Have difficulty falling asleep
• Wake up frequently during the night
• Experience disrupted REM and deep sleep cycles
• Feel fatigued and unrefreshed even after a full night in bed

Sleep is crucial for healing and emotional regulation. Without proper rest, the body and mind remain on edge, making recovery from trauma even more challenging.