Back pain is one of the most commonly reported ailment reported by people in America; it is not uncommon for a person to experience a back ache due to sleeping in the wrong position, pulling muscles by lifting something heavy, or injuring his or her back through regular activity. Then there are those people who suffer from chronic back pain, a type of pain that does not go away after a few days or weeks. Living in chronic pain can take a great toll on a person's life, and people in this type of situation can also suffer from depression. If you have chronic back pain and suspect that you are also depressed, use the following tips:

Don't Be Afraid to Talk to a Doctor About Your Symptoms

If you are suffering from chronic back pain, you are most likely under the care of a doctor (like those at Beltline Chiropractic) for your condition. During your appointments it may be normal to focus on your physical symptoms, but if you have symptoms of depression, such as feelings of hopelessness, increased irritability, loss of interest in normal activities, insomnia, and low energy, make sure to let your doctor know. There are a number of antidepressant medications that can help with your condition—your doctor can prescribe the correct one to help with your condition.

Fix Sleeping Problems

Insomnia is extremely common in people who have chronic back pain—the pain makes it very difficult to get comfortable, and you may find yourself tossing and turning or waking up several times a night. A lack of sleep can increase irritability and moodiness, and it may exacerbate other common symptoms associated with depression. While a good night of sleep can't cure depression, and it most likely won't make your pain go away, it can go a long way in helping your overall mood and energy level. Consult your doctor to see if sleeping medications may be a good option to help you get the rest your body needs.

Seek the Help of a Therapist or Counselor

Living in chronic pain is incredibly difficult, and many people do not understand the struggles that come with it. Whether you are dealing with situational depression or clinical depression, speaking with a licensed therapist, counselor, or psychologist can greatly ease your feelings of hopelessness and loss of interest in the things you used to love. When you combine counseling with an antidepressant medication, there is a good chance that you can get your depression under control, and see positive changes in your life.

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