PURPOSE: This paper presents a literature review of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its link to chronic pain. DESIGN AND METHODS: Twenty-four papers are reviewed (included research and reviews), with the goal of improving and updating our understanding on this issue and its theoretical and clinical repercussions. FINDINGS: The tight interdependence of symptoms that can be observed in both PTSD and chronic pain syndromes lends support to the idea that these disorders both constitute a reactive disorder. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Various forms of therapy and treatment focus on PTSD, but chronic pain symptoms must also be assessed.