Chronic depression and back pain often occur together, and each can make the other worse. Depression can actually intensify the sensation of pain, while being in constant physical pain can amplify symptoms of depression. Which comes first depends upon the individual’s history and circumstances, but either disease can start what can become a painful cycle.



If you are experiencing these symptoms, contact a spinal specialist such as Dr. Solomon Kamson of the Spine Institute Northwest. Kamson and his skilled associates will be able to perform a physical and medical history to help determine a proper diagnosis for your back pain. They can then recommend a course of treatment that treats you as a whole person, not just a patient.

Defining These Diseases

To understand the relationship between chronic depression and lower back pain, you must first understand what each disease is. Chronic depression is a mental illness that is classified as a sad, depressed, hopeless, or otherwise low mood lasting longer than two weeks. It must also involve at least five of the following additional symptoms: Significant unintentional increase or decrease in weight, too much or too little sleep, irritation, fatigue, loss of interest in normally enjoyable activities, feelings of worthlessness, memory and concentration problems, decreased sexual interest, and thoughts of suicide or death. Chronic lower back pain is a condition that persists longer than three months. It can be any condition of the back that causes discomfort or pain.


Chronic Depression Affects Lower Back Pain

Chronic depression can actually cause lower back pain for two reasons. First, individuals suffering from depression are often less active. When they are not exercising as much, bones and the muscles that support them become weaker. This can cause pain, and also increase the risk for back injury. The second reason chronic depression can cause lower back pain is because individuals suffering from major depression may be more aware of sensations of physical pain than they would be typically. This means that any pre-existing back or joint pain may increase with the manifestation of depression. Often, it is found that the more severe pain that the patient with chronic pain feels, the more depressed they are.

Lower Back Pain Affects Chronic Depression


While lower back pain may be increased by the presence of chronic depression, lower back pain can also be the cause of chronic depression. Statistics show that individuals suffering from lower back pain have an occurrence rate for depression that is four times greater than individuals who do not suffer from lower back pain.



One of the reasons that back pain leads to depression is because it disrupts sleep, which can increase irritability and fatigue the next day. Those with back pain are also more isolated, as their pain often causes limited range of movement that can lead them to avoid activities and stay home. Finally, back pain causes stress because it can affect relationships and family life. It can prevent the individual from working which may cause financial struggles that can affect the entire household. It can also prevent them from desiring sex with their partner, which can cause strain on the relationship. These symptoms can be both stressful and limiting to the individual suffering from lower back pain. They may lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair. These feelings can sometimes lead to major or clinical depression.

If you are suffering from chronic pain, you are not alone — and there is help. Contact Dr. Solomon Kamson of the Spine Institute Northwest to take the first step and get back your life.