Have you noticed how low mood and low back pain seem to go together? Research into how exactly the two are linked has been going on for years. Studies have looked at whether depression itself increases the risk of low back pain or if low back pain increases the risk of depression. Now breakthrough new research* in the USA has found that there’s a direct link between the two.
What exactly does this mean? The study shows that suffering from back pain can predict a later development of depression and depression can predict back pain. Depression may be a precursor to back pain, while low back pain is significantly correlated to later developing depression. Evidence from neuroimaging has opened up ways to understand the links between these findings.
What Links Chronic Pain And Depression?
Chronic pain and depression have a common neuroplasticity mechanism. In other words, the changes in the brain caused by these two conditions occur through the same processes of nerve regeneration or reorganisation. There may also be shared underlying conditions, such as work or job strain and other psychosocial factors, which contribute to low back pain and depression. This study confirms for the first time that these two conditions do not occur in isolation – which means that doctors should be asking questions about back pain in depressed patients, as well as depression in people presenting with back pain.
At Sundial we try to be mindful of the external factors which can contribute to back pain. That’s why we offer advice and encouragement in your consultation and as part of your treatment plan (as well as via our blog and regular newsletters) to address issues like exercise, diet and mental health alongside the mechanical causes of back pain like lifting, bending and sitting.
The World Federation of Chiropractic’s Public Health Committee Chair, chiropractor Claire Johnson PhD says,
“Research is just beginning to show the powerful links between our minds and our bodies. Chiropractors are well-positioned to assist patients who have back pain and depression and to collaborate with other providers with prevention and health promotion.”
If you’re worried about back pain, come and see us for a check up.