Depression and back pain

Having constant, chronic back pain can lead to depression.  Here are some things to know about this bad combination.

• Science does not yet understand why chronic pain and depression are linked.
• Depression caused by back pain can be more debilitating or serious than pain itself.
• Depression can lead to suicidal thoughts and a high risk of suicide. Therefore, depression should be regarded as a serious illness.
• Common signs of depression include a lack of energy, difficulty sleeping, feelings of depression and hopelessness, staying at home and avoiding others, difficulty concentrating, loss of appetite, over-eating and suicidal thoughts.
• Depression can magnify the effects of pain.
• Prescription pain killers can cause or aggravate depression.
• Anti-depressant drugs are effective in treating chronic pain because they can also treat the depression that can be seen in chronic pain.
• Exercise is good not only for chronic pain but also for alleviating depression.
• Psychotherapy and cognitive therapy may be helpful in treating depression in chronic pain patients.