Pain and depression

Sometimes pain and depression create a vicious cycle in which pain worsens symptoms of depression, and then the resulting depression worsens feelings of pain.

In many people, depression causes physical symptoms such as back pain or headaches. In addition to this, people suffering from depression, tend to experience more severe and long-lasting pain than other people.

At the same time, pain and the problems it causes, such as trouble sleeping, stress or the inability to work or participate in social activities and hobbies, can affect your mood.

Not only that but researchers have learned that pain shares some biological mechanisms with anxiety and depression. The same regions of the brain that contribute to anxiety and depression are the parts that interpret sensations such as touch.

In addition, two neurotransmitters — serotonin and norepinephrine — that contribute to pain signalling in the brain and nervous system, also are implicated in both anxiety and depression.

To get symptoms of pain and depression under control, you may need separate treatment for each condition. However, some treatments may help with both:

• Antidepressant medications may relieve both pain and depression because of shared chemical messengers in the brain but be aware of potential drug interactions.
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is not only an established treatment for anxiety and depression; it is also the best studied psychotherapy for treating pain.
• Exercise - There's an abundance of research that regular physical activity boosts mood and alleviates anxiety, but less evidence about its impact on pain.
• Relaxation training.
• Pain rehabilitation programs, such as the ones provided by Hunter Pain Specialists, typically provide a team approach to treatment.

Treatment for co-occurring pain and depression may be most effective when it involves a combination of treatments.

If you have pain and depression, get help before your symptoms worsen. You don't have to be miserable. Getting the right treatment can help you start enjoying life again.

If you would like to speak with one of our doctors about your pain, get in touch at https://hunterpainspecialists....

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/expert-answers/pain-and-depression/faq-20057823

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5494581/

https://www.health.harvard.edu...