Back Pain and Depression

San Francisco Decompression Doctor comments:

Most doctors know that chronic back pain can lead to depression. But, according to a new back pain-depression study I just read about on the great Spine-Health.com website, the reverse is also true. This study followed 148 people over a 3 year period who had no history of back pain. Those who reported depression when the study began were more than 2.3 times likely to develope chronic back pain than the rest of the group. That IS significant.

It just goes to show that there are a lot of things we just don't understand about chronic back pain, which makes it very difficult to diagnose and treat.

Certainly we need to consider the emotional state of the patient, as well as the physical. Depression is not going to show up on the MRI.   

Comments

[Anna]

My mother has been suffering with this for some time now and is considering surgery. I've been doing research and even ran across this recent news story heralding surgery as a good option... http://www.thenewsroom.com/details/359271?c_id=jlt

I just really believe this has to be a worst case scenario thing... seems risky.

[Dr. Eben Davis]

Hi Anna, I am familiar with the recent news story you mentioned. It just depends on the individual. Some people do not want surgery under any circumstances. Some people will consider it if they feel there are no other options. I tell patients they can always have the surgery if spinal decompression is not successful. Since decompression is very safe and gentle, there are minimum risks, other than time and money. I wish your mother well during this difficult time and I am available for consultation in San Francisco.