There is a well-documented relationship between chronic pain, such as hip or back pain, and depression. Studies over the past 20 years have found up to 100 percent rates of depression among groups of chronic pain patients. While this does not mean that every sufferer of chronic pain will necessarily become depressed, it reflects a significant risk. Chronic pain causes lifestyle and neurochemical changes that can result in depression without proper treatment.

Chronic Pain & Quality of Life

The average respondent in a Brazilian survey of chronic back pain patients scored their quality of life a 56.2 out of 100. Back pain interferes with several areas of function: it may affect work performance, enjoyment of hobbies, ability to physically access events and locations and self-esteem. Routine participation in daily activities and high appraisal of one’s performance are important components of a healthy mental state. When a chronic condition such as back pain interrupts any of these, it can create a great mental disturbance. Some studies have recommended understanding these disturbances as stress—a phenomenon with the same underlying mechanism as pain.

Depression & Pain: A Cycle

Pain can destabilize one’s lifestyle, causing stress, and stress can cause depression. To make matters worse, depression can cause pain and increase sensitivity. There is not yet a true consensus on which condition causes the cycle, but some evidence points to chronic conditions such as hip and back pain. In fact, 50 percent of respondents to a 1981 study reported simultaneous onset, but 38 percent reported that depression followed pain, and only 12 percent said vice versa.

Chronic Pain Management

Winter is an especially difficult time for those with chronic pain and depression. For this reason, it is also the most important time to seek treatment. Chronic pain management strategies including injections and blocks can restore mobility and decrease acute pain, allowing you to maintain your quality of life. Take advantage of these treatments as early as possible so the vicious depression and pain cycle does not have time to begin.

iSpine Pain Physicians is a Twin Cities spine and pain clinic providing image-guided chronic pain management. They treat shoulder, leg, hip, and back pain, nerve pain and work-related injuries, working with patients to restore comfort, function and quality of life. Find a solution for your chronic pain by calling them at (763) 201-8191 today or visit their website for more information.