If you experience chronic pain, you probably know it can make the simplest of daily activities challenging. Millions of people in the U.S. suffer from chronic pain and there are many side effects; however, the one that seems to worsen exponentially is depression. Chronic pain and depression are more connected than you realize, with one increasing the chances of the other.
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How Are Chronic Pain and Depression Related?
There is a link between chronic pain and depression, and sadly both are very common conditions. Chronic pain can be physically and emotionally draining and can be detrimental to your quality of life. Likewise, depression is a mental health condition that can cause significant daily problems and make it difficult to lead a happy life.
Chronic pain is more than an awful sensation that continues after an injury or an accident, it actually changes the structure of the brain. It can affect our feelings, beliefs, and the way we behave. Pain that has changed the way a brain functions can make it difficult for family and friends to understand what the sufferer is going through. For that reason, chronic pain sufferers find that it can be an isolating condition and lead to further complications such as loneliness and depression.
Figure of altered brain structure showing change to brain after pain. Source: NCBI
Those with chronic pain may experience changes in appetite and nausea. In addition to treat chronic pain a healthcare professional may prescribe medications. These medications can cause other side effects such as cloudy thinking, sleep disorder, and more. Poor sleep can worsen chronic pain, making it difficult to cope with daily tasks and creating stress around otherwise normal everyday activities. This can lead to a sense of hopelessness and helplessness for the patient, which are signs of depression. In addition, the cost of medical treatment and missed workdays can add up quickly, which can lead to a financial strain causing additional stress and anxiety.
What are the Symptoms of Chronic Pain and Depression?
As mentioned before, chronic pain can lead to a decrease in activity which then leads to feelings of sadness, loneliness, and isolation. Additionally, depression can make chronic pain worse. Below are common symptoms of chronic pain and depression
Symptoms of Chronic Pain
- persistent pain that lasts more than 3 months
- pain that interferes with your sleep, work, or enjoyable activities.
- pain that does not go away with medication
- worsens existing mental health conditions
- have irritability and difficulty concentrating
Symptoms of Depression
- persistently feeling sad or empty
- loss of interest or pleasure in activities
- fatigue and difficulty concentrating
- changes in appetite or weight
- feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or loneliness
What are the Treatment Options?
Our brains are constantly creating, removing, and altering its connection as we learn and have new experiences. The ability for our brains to change its connection is known as neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity is important for the brain’s ability to learn, adapt to new experiences, and recover from injury. It allows our brains to respond to the challenging circumstances of our lives. Without it, our brains would constantly get stuck in thinking in rigid ways, limiting our ability to change our behaviors. A key method for relieving symptoms of chronic pain and depression is increasing neuroplasticity. But how? Don’t worry, there are multiple treatment options including Ketamine Infusion Therapy, TMS, and Spravato (nasal Spray enhances communication between cells in the brain).
In recent years, these treatments have been used as a safe and effective treatment for major depression and neuropathic pain. It’s commonly used for patients when other treatments do not work for them. The treatment itself is painless and there is no surgery involved. This is a great option for those who have tried medications, therapy, or surgery with no success.
How Cutting Edge Can Help You
For those struggling with chronic pain and depression, finding a treatment that works is not easy. At Cutting Edge, we offer treatments to help with depression and chronic pain. They offer relief for those who have been unsuccessful with past treatments, and it will lead to remarkable results.
