One of the greatest challenges of chronic pain is the fact that most pain conditions have accompanying symptoms that may compound the original pain condition even further. The pain doctors at The Pain Center of Arizona are well aware of the complexities and the accompanying conditions that chronic pain can have.

Depression is often a side effect of chronic pain conditions. The intricacy of depression and chronic pain is that one can often cause the other. The symptoms of depression are varied, but may include feelings of sadness, anger or "emptiness" that are persistent, difficulty focusing, difficulty making decisions, feeling overwhelmed, fatigue, and possibly overeating or loss of appetite. These are just some of the symptoms, and depression symptoms can vary from person to person. One of the symptoms of depression can actually be heightened sensitivity to pain, which can exacerbate and provoke a chronic pain condition.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, chronic pain can be an extremely isolating, exhausting and harrowing experience, which can often bring about other symptoms of depression. Those who suffer from chronic pain can begin feeling hopelessness, fatigue, sadness, and can have difficulty with remembering details and focusing on tasks. The pain specialists at The Pain Center of Arizona are empathetic toward the fact that depression and chronic pain often go hand in hand, and as such, can offer treatments and therapies to help combat symptoms of both chronic pain and depression.

Prescription anti-depressants are often a beneficial medication that can relieve symptoms of both chronic pain and depression. When taken correctly, these medications can help improve quality of life and function for those with chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia, arthritis, low back pain, hip pain, and multiple other chronic pain conditions.

Alternative non-pharmacological therapies can have a significant impact on symptoms of chronic pain and depression. Acupuncture has been shown to help with depression and chronic pain, and is extremely minimally invasive, has little to no side effects, and is an affordable option. Another therapy that is highly recommended for those with depression, chronic pain or a combination of the two is massage therapy. This can help relieve muscle pain, promote general health and wellbeing, and can help alleviate feelings of sadness, anxiety and fatigue.

If you suffer from a combination of chronic pain and depression, speak to your pain doctor at The Pain Center of Arizona as soon as possible. If not treated, these symptoms will only get worse with time and can eventually become so debilitating that it can be difficult to go about the tasks of daily life. The pain management specialists at The Pain Center can offer you treatments, therapies and advice on how to cope with chronic pain and depression and how to get back to the life you want to be living.

If you suffer from chronic pain due to any condition or injury, find hope at The Pain Center of Arizona! Our dedicated team of board certified pain management physicians will work with you to treat your pain, increase your functionality and quality of life, and get you back into life! We have locations across Arizona, including Phoenix, Anthem, Surprise, Mesa, Gilbert, Deer Valley, Paradise Valley and the Biltmore area. We take multiple insurance plans; click here to see if we take yours! To make an appointment and take the first step toward getting back into life, call us today at 1-888-PAINCENTER. We hope to see you soon!

The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.

Comments