May is National Mental Health Month, and it serves to remind us that it’s just as important to think about the state of our emotional well-being as it is to focus on our physical health. According to the board-certified specialists at iSpine Pain Physicians in Maple Grove, MN, it’s common for those who suffer from back pain to experience mental health issues like depression. 

The Cycle of Chronic Back Pain & Depression

Patients who have chronic pain are at an increased risk of developing mental illnesses like anxiety and depression. The more severe the pain, the more likely they are to experience symptoms. Chronic pain anywhere on the body can lead to feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and problems with sleep, concentration and socialization. It can also affect a patient’s appetite and cause them to feel fatigued, leading to further symptoms of depression.

How Depression Affects Back Pain

While chronic pain has been tied to symptoms of depression, depression has also been linked to reports of increased pain. Those who suffer from emotional pain often report amplified physical pain, especially in cases where the pain is chronic and severe.

If you are stuck in a cycle of chronic back pain and depression, it’s time to seek professional help. Make an appointment with the chronic pain management specialists at iSpine Pain Physicians in one of their Twin Cities-area locations. These expert clinicians have experience treating chronic pain and helping patients with back pain find lasting relief. Call the clinic at (763) 201-8191 or visit them online to learn more.