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Depression and Neck Pain

Depression is often diagnosed in patients with chronic pain. Depression associated with neck pain is treatable with physical therapy and pain medications. The chronic pain is the priority, but treatment can be coordinated for both depression and neck injury.

  1. Prevalence

    • Complementary Alternative Medicine

      Science Daily reports in November 5, 2008 "...chronic pain occurs in more than 75 percent of patients with depression, and between 30 percent and 60 percent of patients with chronic pain report symptoms of depression." The prevalence of these conditions show a need to address them in a combined treatment.

    Medications

    • Drug Therapies

      There are drug therapies prescribed for chronic pain relief and depression. Many drug therapies serve as temporary band-aids to allow the patient to pursue physical therapy.

    Prayer

    • Spirituality and wellness are not common in clinical practices. Depression and neck pain patients have used prayer more than patients with other kinds of illnesses. Praying may include attending services, meditation classes, or practicing therapeutic yoga.

    Whiplash

    • Whiplash is commonly associated with car accidents.

      Whiplash injuries occur with sudden neck extension and flexion. Psychological symptoms of whiplash include nervousness, irritability, fatigue, or depression.

    Massage

    • Intuitive touch can help lessen neck pain.

      Massage will reduce symptoms of neck pain from injuries to the neck muscles, ligaments, myofacial tissues, bones or nerves. Body work from a masseuse alleviates depression and chronic pain in combined treatments.

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