APPROACHES TO OVERCOME POST-TRAUMATIC PAIN SYNDROME IN VETERANS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64108/imh.2026.1.5.28Ключові слова:
post-traumatic pain syndrome, chronic pain syndrome, mine-explosive trauma, physical exercises, neurotechnology, mirror therapy, physical therapy, veterans.Анотація
Abstract. Post-traumatic pain syndrome in combat veterans in Ukraine is today one of the most acute problems of the healthcare system and national security. The specifics of modern combat operations, characterized by a high frequency of mine-explosive injuries and combined injuries, leads to the formation of complex pain conditions that often become chronic.
The modern strategy for overcoming post-traumatic pain in veterans is based on the principles of multimodality and personalization. The traditional biomedical model, which is focused mainly on pharmacological suppression of symptoms, is now actively supplemented by the biopsychosocial model. This approach considers pain as the result of the interaction of biological disorders, psychological states and social factors.
Purpose of the research. To conduct an analysis of the scientific literature and substantiate the effectiveness of modern approaches to correct post-traumatic pain syndrome in combat veterans.
Research results. The clinical picture of post-traumatic pain is characterized by significant polymorphism. Patients may complain of localized pain in the scar area, phantom sensations after amputations, as well as diffuse pain covering large areas of the body. A special place is occupied by the neuropathic component of pain, which manifests itself as burning, shooting or electric current sensations. Clinical manifestations are often aggravated by comorbid conditions, such as sleep disorders, depressive disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder, which creates a vicious circle of pain and psychological maladjustment.
The modern strategy for overcoming post-traumatic pain in veterans is based on the principles of multimodality and personalization. Pharmacological treatment remains an important basis, but it often has limited effectiveness in chronic conditions and carries the risk of side effects or addiction. Therefore, the global medical community is increasingly turning to non-invasive methods. Among them, interventional technologies, neurostimulation methods and psychological correction occupy a special place. An important trend is the use of virtual reality and biofeedback technologies, which allow influencing the higher centers of pain regulation in the brain.
Conclusions.
- Theoretical analysis of the problem of post-traumatic pain syndrome in war veterans has shown that this condition is a complex neurophysiological phenomenon that goes beyond a simple reaction to tissue damage.
- The modern paradigm of veteran rehabilitation is shifting from a purely biomedical model to a biopsychosocial one, where priority is given to multidisciplinary interaction and personalized programs. It has been established that the most promising approaches are those that integrate neuromodulatory technologies, virtual reality and cognitive-behavioral methods with traditional means of recovery.
- Physical therapy plays a key role in the system of medical rehabilitation, acting as a connecting link between clinical treatment and social reintegration. It provides not only physical recovery and restoration of mobility, but also forms in veterans the skills of self-control over pain, which is a basic condition for their independence and high quality of life.
- The scientifically substantiated effectiveness of physical therapy methods in chronic pain is based on the principles of neuroplasticity and activation of the body's internal reserves. It has been proven that the complex use of physical rehabilitation methods (therapeutic exercises, neurodynamics, mirror therapy) allows to significantly reduce the intensity of pain, improve the functional state and psycho-emotional stability of veterans.
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