Patients with chronic pain often also suffer from depression, which researchers believe may be a result of shared brain circuitry for social and physical pain, according to an LA Times news report.
Both disorders share other commonalities. For instance, both chronic pain and depression often fire off systemic inflammation, and the origins of both disorders remain a mystery. Some researchers believe emotional pain, derived from depression, may be confused with physical pain due to shared brain circuitry. Others believe chronic pain leads the sufferer to separate him or herself from the things they usually enjoy, ultimately resulting in emotional pain, according to the news report.
Read the news report about chronic pain and depression.
Read other coverage about pain management:
- Mayo Clinic: Botox May Ease Spinal Headaches
- Study on Pain Relief Through Meditation May Fall Short
- Pain Specialist Reports 50% Patient Volume Drop, Partly Due to State HTA Committee
Both disorders share other commonalities. For instance, both chronic pain and depression often fire off systemic inflammation, and the origins of both disorders remain a mystery. Some researchers believe emotional pain, derived from depression, may be confused with physical pain due to shared brain circuitry. Others believe chronic pain leads the sufferer to separate him or herself from the things they usually enjoy, ultimately resulting in emotional pain, according to the news report.
Read the news report about chronic pain and depression.
Read other coverage about pain management:
- Mayo Clinic: Botox May Ease Spinal Headaches
- Study on Pain Relief Through Meditation May Fall Short
- Pain Specialist Reports 50% Patient Volume Drop, Partly Due to State HTA Committee