Depression can greatly impact one’s daily functioning. Those struggling with this condition may face increased difficulties in navigating everyday tasks, compared to those who do not experience it. A multitude of factors, including financial concerns, strained relationships, stress, and family genetics, can contribute to the development of depression. While chronic pain is often associated with depression, research has also highlighted the phenomenon of somatization – when mental health issues like anxiety and depression manifest as physical symptoms in the body.
According to Atlanta-based psychiatrist Dr. Tracey Marks, individuals with depression often experience intensified physical symptoms, such as aches and pains, dizziness, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Dr. Marks clarified that depression can have a significant impact on the body, causing heightened sensitivity to bodily sensations and potentially perceiving them negatively, even if there is no underlying pain issue.
As we delve deeper into the topic, we discover the surprising impact of depression on your back. Interestingly enough, your recent experience of frequent back pain could be a result of your mental state. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America suggests that bodily discomfort, including in the back, can serve as a sign of underlying mental health issues.
The scientific explanation for both back pain and depression.
Research has shown that there is a likely connection between depression and back pain. This is supported by studies linking the two conditions through the shared presence of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine, as found in a 2004 publication by The Primary Care Companion to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. Another study published in Arthritis Care and Research in 2015 further supports this link, revealing a positive correlation between lower back pain risk and the severity of depression. In fact, individuals with back pain are four times more prone to experiencing depression compared to those without it.
Per Professor Linda Carroll of the University of Alberta’s Department of Public Health Sciences, as reported by Science Daily, both depression and lower back pain are recurrent and widespread conditions. While the exact cause is still unknown, studies have shown that individuals with a history of depression may be more susceptible to developing lower back pain in the future.
Furthermore, it is crucial to recognize that exhaustion is a common consequence of depression. This can lead to a lack of drive in individuals. As a result, those who are experiencing depression may be at a higher risk for experiencing back discomfort due to their reduced motivation to engage in physical activity and maintain a nutritious diet, potentially leading to back pain, strain, and injuries. What implications does this have for those with depression?
Strategies for managing depression-induced back pain
To begin addressing depression, it is important to familiarize yourself with its physical symptoms, such as back pain. In fact, according to Linda Carroll (via Science Daily), those experiencing depression may unconsciously handle minor back aches in an unproductive manner, which can ultimately worsen the pain over time.
If you experience ongoing back pain, it’s important to discuss it with your mental health practitioner. According to Professor Paulo Ferreira from The University of Sydney’s Faculty of Health Sciences, treatment plans for individuals dealing with both depression and back pain may differ significantly from those without depression. In fact, these cases tend to be more complicated and require a longer recovery time, often leading to higher treatment costs.
In order to effectively manage depression, a combination of counseling, relaxation techniques, behavioral therapy, mood-boosting exercises, pain rehabilitation programs, and medications may be necessary. When facing depression, life can be challenging on its own. It is important to address any back pain in order to improve overall quality of life. Seek appropriate support for a better well-being.
In case of a mental health crisis, reach out to the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741, dial the National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), or access resources on the National Institute of Mental Health website.