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Depression hurts. Not only is it mentally painful, but it can cause body pain as well. According to Dr. Hall-Flavin, an expert with the Mayo Clinic , “In many people, depression causes unexplained physical symptoms such as back pain or headaches.” Physical pain can often be a sign or symptom of depression, and this pain may worsen the depression, creating a vicious cycle.
Can Mental Health Cause Back Pain?
Mental and physical health are interconnected. Anxiety, depression, and other mood problems are closely linked with physical distress, such as back pain, headaches, and muscle aches. Chronic and/or disabling pain can interfere with work, socializing, and hobbies, making depression worse.
One of the most comprehensive studies on pain and mental health used data from more than 190,000 people 18 years of age or older from 43 countries. The results were startling.
According to the study, back pain affected just more than 35% of the respondents, and just less than 7% reported having chronic back pain. According to Dr. Brendon Stubbs, head of the research team, the data shows that “both back pain and chronic back pain are associated with an increased likelihood of depression, psychosis, anxiety, stress, and sleep disturbances.”
How Can I Treat Physical Pain from Depression?
First, it is of the utmost importance to get help for mental health conditions. Seek a licensed, trained professional to help you address your depression. It is equally important to seek treatment for any underlying physical ailments. Remember that any pain you are experiencing may result from or contribute to depression.
Regular chiropractic visits release tension in the back and may help break the cycle of pain and depression. By alleviating physical pain, chiropractic care helps to provide a framework to better cope with the mental symptoms of depression.
Chiropractic treatments align the neck and back by gently adjusting the spine. This realignment relieves pressure on the muscles and nerves, reducing stress hormones, lowering blood pressure, and promoting wellness.
At East Bay Chiropractic Wellness P.C., we provide holistic treatment for your entire body, including headaches, back and neck pain, stress, and tension. We treat arthritis, chronic injuries, and pain in all extremities. Call us today at (516) 679-2225 to schedule an initial consultation. Let the caring professionals at East Bay Chiropractic Wellness help you break the cycle of pain and depression by bringing your body back into alignment and harmony.
