Depression and Back Pain Are Connected

Is Depression the Result of Back Pain?

Yes, depression is said to be associated with more patients who suffer from chronic back pain than in patients with acute, short term back pain.  Chronic back pain can lead to depression for a variety of reasons.  Back pain can make it difficult to sleep, causing fatigue during the day.  Once someone is irritable and fatigued, it can lead to social isolation and lack of enjoyment for activities.  If this person is unable to get along with others at work, it can lead to financial instability, which can affect the entire family.  The pain is distracting and can cause a lot of stress in relationships.  Inevitably, these feeling accompanying back pain can lead to feelings of hopelessness, chest pain or feelings of despair.  A study performed in 2004 investigated a family with one person who experienced chronic back pain.  The family reported that the chronic pain hindered the person’s ability to take care of the children, engage in physical activities and ability to do household work.  These changes led to tension between family members and often lead to depression, anger and stress in the family relationships.  The theory behind this is that the individual begins to feel the pain controls their lives, leading to depression. 

Massage Therapy to Help Depression

Massage is a non-invasive, natural remedy to help people overcome physical and mental health problems.  It is used all over the world and started many centuries ago.  It is becoming more popular now because it is an effective alternative to prescription medication, which can lead to side effects.  Research shows that massage can reduce depression, stress and anxiety.  During a massage, mood enhancing chemicals called dopamine and serotonin are released, which reduces stress hormones known as cortisol and adrenaline.  It also increases relaxation and boosts the immune system, blood sugar levels and lung function.  Research performed at the University of Miami studied a group of people who were massaged, and another group of people who were not massaged.  The results found that the group who was massage had lower levels of stress hormones in their saliva.  Other studies confirmed that adults who suffered from high anxiety problems did not improve after medication.  These adults were given a massage, and confirmed that the massage helped decrease tension and pain.  It is important to remember that massage cannot cure depression or any disease but it can help improve an individual’s quality of life.