Back Clinic Stress And Anxiety Chiropractic Functional Medicine Team. People experience stress and anxiety from time to time. Stress is any demand placed on our brain or physical body. People can report feeling stressed with multiple demands placed on them. It can be triggered by an event that makes one feel frustrated or nervous. Anxiety is a feeling of fear, worry, or unease. This can be a reaction, and it can also happen in people who cannot identify significant stressors and are not sure of what to do.
Stress and anxiety are not always bad. They help overcome challenges or dangerous situations. Examples of everyday anxiety include worrying about finding a job, feeling nervous before a big test, or being embarrassed in certain social situations. If there were no anxiety, there would be no motivation to do certain things that need to be done ( i.e., studying for a big test).
However, if stress and anxiety start to interfere with one’s daily life, it may indicate a much more serious issue. For example, if avoiding situations due to irrational fears, constantly worrying, or experiencing severe anxiety about traumatic event/s weeks after it happened, it may be time to seek help.
More individuals are reporting extreme levels of stress. Studies indicate that an increasing number of individuals are feeling worried, anxious, or depressed regularly from various stressors. Maintaining the body’s health includes:
Following a balanced diet
Getting enough exercise
Taking vitamins or supplements to ensure the body gets what it needs for optimal function.
However, research has found that a sudden increase in stress, specifically stress associated with anger, can trigger:
This type of stress can affect individuals that did not know they had heart disease. Intense short-term stress can have dangerous effects on the body’s health, leading to chronic stress. Chronic stress continues at a low level for weeks, months, or years. It can significantly change the way the body functions. Stress management is very important for overall well-being. Learning how to handle stress properly is the goal.
Poor Stress Management
When stress hits it triggers the brain to release various hormones. These hormones increase heart rate and raise blood pressure. This comes from evolution that helped early humans escape from predators and stay safe from different types of physical danger. This same stress reaction is what we go through, however, it is not to escape danger but to deal with work, family, school, commuting, and social issues, etc. And when the stress response happens on a regular basis it can have serious and long-term effects on the body’s ability to function properly. Stress includes mental, behavioral, and physical symptoms. The effects of stress that are most familiar are related to mood. Mood changes that can result from chronic low-level stress include:
These mood changes can be tied to changes in behavior. The following behaviors are associated with increased stress levels:
Alcohol and/or drug abuse
Starting or increasing tobacco use
Eating changes – undereating or overeating
Withdrawing from friends and family
Avoiding social interaction
Little to no physical activity
Physical effects that are associated with long-term stress.
Chronic stress that lasts for a long period can affect the whole body. The immune system, digestive system, sleep cycles, etc. Physical symptoms include:
Tension in the neck and back
Persistent headaches
Stomach aches
Constant fatigue, even after waking up
Sleeping pattern changes
Insomnia
Muscle pain
Changes in libido
Being more prone to infections because of a weakened immune system
Chest pain
Learning Healthy Stress Management
Mental health is now an important part of living a healthy life. Stress comes from all kinds of different places. We can’t always change these moments, but we can change our reactions to reduce the negative effects and results. To manage stress, it is important to know what is causing it.
It could be an argument with a boss, co-worker, family member, or significant other.
Work deadlines
School grades, teachers, kids, etc
Bills
Repairs
Clearly identifying the main stressors will help individuals anticipate them and form a plan. There are different ways of dealing with it. The different strategies need to be researched and tried by individuals to see what works for them. Think about what helps the mind and body relax and unwind. A few recommended ways include:
These are strategies that can be incorporated into regular daily life. Be sure to set time aside to focus on mental wellbeing. Learn to recognize the signs when getting overwhelmed. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed. This can be a support system or mental health professional. This is to empower individuals to take better care of themselves in both body and mind.
Body Composition
Setting Attainable Goals
Individuals that have trouble achieving health goals might want to look at the goals themselves. Individuals typically have a general idea of their fitness journey. However, it is hard to reach those goals without a map. Losing weight or getting healthy is the goal but these goals are not measurable. This is too broad that can be different things to different people. Trying to accomplish a vague goal makes it hard to plan, making it happen, or seeing progress. A recommended strategy for goal setting is to use the SMART system. The acronym stands for:
Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Realistic
Timed
When goals fall into these parameters, it provides a clear picture of what is trying to get accomplished and the ability to plan accordingly. An example could be: An individual will work out at home or the gym for one hour, five days a week for one month. This is a specific and measurable goal when compared to I’m going to work out more. This provides clear guidelines of what needs to happen to achieve success.
References
Bailey, Ryan R. “Goal Setting and Action Planning for Health Behavior Change.” American journal of lifestyle medicine vol. 13,6 615-618. 13 Sep. 2017, doi:10.1177/1559827617729634
Carlson, Linda E et al. “Integrative Approaches to Stress Management.” Cancer journal (Sudbury, Mass.) vol. 25,5 (2019): 329-336. doi:10.1097/PPO.0000000000000395
Jamison, J R. “Stress management: an exploratory study of chiropractic patients.” Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics vol. 23,1 (2000): 32-6. doi:10.1016/s0161-4754(00)90111-8
Jamison, J. “Stress: the chiropractic patients’ self-perceptions.” Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics vol. 22,6 (1999): 395-8. doi:10.1016/s0161-4754(99)70085-0
Going through traumatic accidents that result in injuries can cause injury-related stress and anxiety for individuals. It is understandable that stress and anxiety are high as individuals figure out how to navigate through the situation. Therefore, it is very important to find ways to manage stress and anxiety because if they go unchecked it could become chronic leading to poor health and quality of life.
Stress/Anxiety Affects Health
Injury related stress and anxiety can be exacerbated through different factors. These can include:
Medical bills
Employment
Relationships
Independence
The causes/reasons can vary however, the physical response the body goes through is the same. A stress-inducing situation can leave an individual feeling threatened and generate a physical stress response. The body responds to stress by releasing hormones that shift the body into survival mode. This requires a lot of energy placing massive strain on the body. This is an important mechanism for healthy living. However, if it begins to present on a regular basis it can lead to negative health issues that include:
The body needs time every day to recover and rejuvenate. This is not possible when the body is constantly entering a heightened state of stress. Traditional treatment can lead to the over-prescription of medications that come with their own side effects. Effective injury-related stress treatment addresses issues like:
Injury-related stress and anxiety affect mental health and can lead to physical symptoms and disease. These include:
Chronic pain
Sleep problems
Gastrointestinal issues
Obesity
Asthma and breathing problems
Alzheimer’s, dementia, and memory loss
Chiropractic Treatment and Care
A healthy brain and spinal cord are vital to the body’s optimal health. When nerve energy and blood flow get blocked it can worsen injury-related stress and anxiety. Chiropractic delivers results helping to better manage mental health by addressing underlying issues with spinal misalignment. When the spine is properly aligned neural health is optimized for everyday functions. This increases vitality and an overall sense of well-being. With brain function improved adjusting to the injury and its effects no longer cause intense stress. Individuals cannot remove all the stressors and anxiety-inducing events from their lives, but proper spinal alignment can help build resilience for whatever situations life throws.
Body Composition
Recovery and Swelling
Recovery is an essential part of maintaining optimal body health. This goes for regular work, working out, athlete’s training, and just participating in physical activity. A significant sign that the body has gone through intense physical exertion and needs recovery time is swelling. Swelling presents for different reasons. It is the body’s response to tiny, microscopic tears in the muscle that happens from constant and intense use. Running or lifting heavy objects are two examples that cause swelling. Swelling can be seen in body composition analysis results. An increase in Lean Body Mass reflects an increase in water. Recovery is about giving the body a chance to:
Relax
Recuperate
Recover from the swelling with the end goal of resuming physical activities
Disclaimer
The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP, CIFM, CTG* email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com phone: 915-850-0900 Licensed in Texas & New Mexico
References
Pickar, Joel G. “Neurophysiological effects of spinal manipulation.” The spine journal : official journal of the North American Spine Society vol. 2,5 (2002): 357-71. doi:10.1016/s1529-9430(02)00400-x
Coleman, Brian C et al. “Factors Associated With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among Veterans of Recent Wars Receiving Veterans Affairs Chiropractic Care.” Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics vol. 43,8 (2020): 753-759. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2019.10.016
Jamison, J R. “Stress management: an exploratory study of chiropractic patients.” Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics vol. 23,1 (2000): 32-6. doi:10.1016/s0161-4754(00)90111-8
Natural medicine for dealing with stress and taking initial steps can also help prevent and alleviate stress pain. With age, the body becomes more vulnerable to emotional and physical stress. The spine endures the effects of stress and can lead to back and/or neck pain. Chronic stress can also lead to chemical imbalances in the brain and overreaction/s. This produces a Hyperarousal or anxious state of mind. If frequent bouts of anxiety or stress are occurring the body is signaling that balance needs to be restored.
Steps to Control Stress
Take frequent physical and mental breaks
Throughout a day, there can be several and various stressful situations. Not letting the stress build-up is a skill that needs to be practiced. Every 50 minutes of work, take a 10-minute break to reduce any stress. This will increase productivity. In the middle or last break, practice deep breathing.
Inhale slowly until the air reaches the bottom of the stomach.
Exhale slowly like a balloon slowly releasing the air.
To achieve the full potential of deep breathing, every exhalation should last twice as long as each inhalation.
Caffeine reduction
Caffeine can be medicinal in small doses. It increases bile flow. This stimulates the gall bladder and reduces cholesterol. However, too much can interfere with the body’s systems that are responsible for stress response. Try to limit to one to two caffeinated drinks a week.
Regular physical activity
Physical activity is what helps remove waste products, specifically lactic and uric acids, from the muscles and nervous system. An excess of these acids makes the body edgy. Moderate activity prevents and reduces anxiety. Try to get in at least 10 to 15 minutes of activity in the morning and afternoon. A quick walk combined with deep breathing is perfect.
Plenty of sleep
Hard work and playing hard help the body to sleep to the fullest. An irregular sleep pattern or poor-quality sleep confuses the body. The body reacts abnormally. Examples like confusion, tension, an adrenaline rush kicks in when it is not needed. Chronic poor sleep makes the body more vulnerable to disease and chronic conditions.
Natural Medicine Supplements
Natural medicine supplements have been shown to reduce mild to moderate stress and anxiety.
Before trying any vitamins, minerals, or herbal therapies check with a doctor. This is to ensure safety with any medical conditions like pregnancy, that could prevent an individual from taking certain supplements.
Also, make sure if taking any medications that could cause natural medicine supplements ineffective or create a dangerous situation.
The reason for this is if an individual takes several supplements and develops side effects, it becomes a challenge to figure out which is responsible.
Quality herbs and supplements can be purchased from a licensed naturopath physician, nutritionist, health coach, or from a health store.
Herbal supplements listed below can be taken for three months and then a two-week break should be implemented. This minimizes the potential for negative effects.
Vitamin B
The B vitamins, especially B6 and B12 help regulate the body’s response to stress and keeps the nervous system healthy.
Vitamin B complex formula that has at least 25 mg of B6 and also 1 mg of B12 can be taken twice a day.
These vitamins are optimized when used in combination with other nutrients like a multivitamin-mineral supplement also twice a day.
This is herbal supplement helps with anxiety and insomnia. It can help relieve acute and chronic anxiety without causing drowsiness or brain fog. Kava is effective for settling anxiety with no dependence potential. Kava should be avoided if there is regular alcohol consumption or if taking Valium, Xanax, sleeping pills, like Seconal or Halcion, or anti-depressants, like Prozac or Zoloft.
Valerian
This is a natural sedative. It is used for relieving anxiety because it helps with sleep. The ingredients are similar to Valium. It is not addictive and does not cause grogginess the next day like sleeping pills. Recommended intake is one 150mg capsule twice a day. However, low doses can cause drowsiness. Therefore it is best used for sleep, one 300mg capsule one hour before sleeping is recommended. Do not use if taking sedatives, like phenobarbital or benzodiazepines.
The Body’s Composition
Stress Can Throw Off Diet and Sleep
Achieving healthy body composition is more than just building muscle and losing fat. Proper diet and getting enough sleep are necessary to make meaningful progress. With chronic stress or poor sleep, this cannot be achieved. Depressive symptoms can be associated with obesity, and anxiety and depression can trigger emotional eating and weight gain. Proper stress management means making sure there are positive strategies, techniques that can be turned to in time of need. Without a plan, stress will cause health problems and will be a significant barrier when trying to achieve fitness and health goals.
Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
References
Boyle, Neil Bernard et al. The Effects of Magnesium Supplementation on Subjective Anxiety and Stress-A Systematic Review.Nutrients vol. 9,5 429. 26 Apr. 2017, doi:10.3390/nu9050429
Chronic stress is a continued and constant feeling of stress that negatively affects the body’s health if left untreated. It is caused by everyday pressures from work, family, or trauma, but instead of calming down and going back to a neutral demeanor, the worry and anxiety keep going. Chronic stress happens when the body experiences stressors to an intense degree, that the nervous system is not able to activate the relaxation response regularly.
Normal stress is an essential part of the body�s fight or flight response that keeps an individual safe from danger and ensures survival when something threatening occurs. If the stress becomes chronic and is not managed appropriately it can be detrimental causing or exacerbating serious health problems that include:
Mental health problems
Depression
Anxiety
Disorders
Cardiovascular disease/s
Heart disease
High blood pressure
Abnormal heart rhythms
Heart attack
Stroke
This affects almost every system in the body, directly and indirectly. The body can handle acute/short-term stress, but not chronic stress. Despite how chronic stress can damage overall health, chiropractic can bring the body back into balance and help manage the stress.
Chronic Stress Health
There are a variety of factors that can lead to the onset of chronic stress and include:
Mental health problems related to depression, anxiety, etc
Traumatic events like natural disasters, automobile accident, injuries
Caring for a family member or elder that is sick
Continued exposure to negativity from social media, news, etc
Chronic blue light exposure from electronic devices
Unhealthy habits related to poor sleep, unhealthy diet, and lack of exercise
Chronic illness
Having no stress management techniques or unhealthy coping methods
The body is not meant to be in a constant state of stress, as it does not allow the body to repair itself and rest properly. This can lead to the breakdown of cellular processes, proper organ functions, and lead to disease. Chronic stress has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, and depression.
Identification
It is not easy to recognize chronic stress. This is because of its long-lasting nature that individuals get so accustomed to, that it becomes normal. Symptoms to look for when identifying chronic stress:
Mood fluctuations and/or irritability
Always worrying about something
No time to take care of oneself or take part in enjoyable activities
Little inconveniences become too much to handle
Constantly getting colds or infections
Rely on unhealthy coping mechanisms like junk food, or alcohol to manage the stress
Management Techniques
The ability to properly manage chronic stress is crucial for achieving optimal health. Management can be simple and straightforward. Options for management include:
Chiropractic
Healthy diet
Sleep improvement
Regular physical activity
Relaxation techniques like massage and heat therapy
Time management skills improvement
Reduced screen exposure specifically at night
Less time on social media
Mindfulness practice like meditation
Spinal Alignment
The techniques listed address reducing the external cues that affect internal health brought on by the stress response. Addressing internal imbalances will help the body return to a state of homeostasis. A common underlying imbalance that contributes to chronic stress is spinal misalignment. This is a root cause that could be over-activating the stress response which limits the body’s ability to return to a relaxed state.
Chiropractic Management
Spinal misalignment/s hinders the nervous system’s ability to regulate the body’s stress response. This is due to improper nerve signaling and poor blood, and energy flow. Chiropractic is a research-oriented, science-based natural medical approach that specializes in addressing spinal issues. It gets the body’s natural healing ability to activate returning the body’s natural state of balance.
Most Recommended Chiropractor
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Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
References
Abdallah, Chadi G, and Paul Geha. Chronic Pain and Chronic Stress: Two Sides of the Same Coin?.Chronic stress (Thousand Oaks, Calif.) vol. 1 (2017): 2470547017704763. doi:10.1177/2470547017704763
Everyone experiences stress at some point in their life. In fact, it is becoming a sort of new normal in today�s hectic, fast paced, high pressure society. Chiropractic treatment can help relieve stress symptoms and achieve optimal health!
However, a large percentage of the United States population is feeling a significant impact from the stress in their lives; 77 percent say they experience physical stress related symptoms on a regular basis. Additionally, 73 percent report experiencing stress related psychological symptoms including anxiety and depression. These are not accurate numbers though because many people never seek help for their stress issues.
Stress symptoms should not be taken lightly. It is important to address the symptoms and find ways to reduce the stress. Chiropractic is an effective stress reliever.
What Is Stress?
In literal terms, stress is the state of emotional or mental strain, pressure, or tension that result from difficulties, adverse situations, or extremely demanding circumstances. However, the very nature of stress by definition makes it very subjective. What is an adverse situation to one person may not even faze another. What one person finds to be an extremely demanding circumstance would to another barely warrant a second thought. This makes it difficult to pin down a precise, universal definition. More often, the term stress is more often used to describe the set of symptoms that are caused by stress and those symptoms can be as varied as the people who experience them.
What Are The Symptoms Of Stress?
Stress symptoms can affect the entire body, both physically and mentally. Common symptoms of stress include:
Technically, stress itself does not have a negative impact on health. Some people deal with situations that others would consider to be stressful, yet they never exhibit the first symptom. This again speaks to the subjective nature of stress. Different people experience different symptoms and it is a combination of the stress symptoms and how the person handles those symptoms that adversely affect health.
Ultimately, stress symptoms can lead to some very serious conditions including heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and even certain cancers. Psychologically, it can lead to social withdrawal and social phobias. It is also often directly linked to alcohol and drug abuse.
How Can Chiropractic Help Relieve Stress Symptoms?
Chiropractic cannot get rid of stress, but it can help relieve stress symptoms. The more stress the body endures, the more sensitive it becomes to pain and physical imbalances. Chiropractic can help with bringing the body back into balance, aligning the spine, and relieving pain.
On a larger scale, the simple act of aligning the spine helps to relieve stress in the body that the person may not even be aware of experiencing. The physical stress of a misaligned spine can exacerbate stress symptoms and make a person more susceptible to stressful stimuli in their environment.
Chiropractic helps to improve circulation which is essential in relieving muscle tension. This is integral in achieving and maintaining a relaxed, balanced state. It shuts down the fight or flight response that is a common accompaniment to stress, and allows the body to rest and heal.
Stress symptoms are should not be ignored. They can lead to several very serious health conditions. If you are experiencing stress in your life or stress symptoms (you don�t have to recognize that you are under stress to experience its symptoms) pay attention. Those symptoms aren�t likely to go away but instead get worse. Take care of yourself; get help for your stress.
Injury Medical Clinic:�Whiplash Pain Treatment Chiropractor
Getting a good night�s sleep is absolutely integral to good spinal health. Sometimes, though that isn�t possible. According to the National Sleep Foundation, 92 percent of people believe that a�comfortable mattress is important for good, restful sleep. A bad mattress, or one that is old, or one that is simply wrong for your body can contribute to sleep deprivation, lower back pain, headaches, stiff neck, and anxiety and depression. With so much at stake, it�s easy to see just how important it is to select a good mattress.
Ask About How The Mattress Is Made
Learn about the construction� and what the different components mean for your comfort. Different mattresses have different coils and they are arranged differently. The padding can vary in thickness. The depth can range from 7 inches to 18 inches on the average. Understanding the various components can make it easier for you to find the one that is right for you.
Look For Comfort, As Well As, Support
A good mattress is comfortable and has good support. Support is good but if you don�t have comfort then it won�t be effective.
If it is too firm (too much support) it will cause pain on your body�s pressure points. You want your hips and shoulders to slightly sink into the mattress. However, if you prefer a mattress that is firmer to support your back, you can get one with padding on top.
Don�t Let Price Be The Determining Factor
You naturally want to get the most for your dollar, but remember that you get what you pay for. A cheap mattress can translate to a poor quality one.
Look for quality and value rather than price. If money is an issue, do some comparison shopping to find the mattress you want for the best price.
Sales are another way to save money on a purchase, but look out for advertising gimmicks. Know the meaning of the terms that are used and know what you are looking for before you go for that so-called great deal.
Educate Yourself On The Different Mattress Types
Do you want a memory foam or would latex work better for you? What exactly is an innerspring mattress? Are adjustable beds really all they are cracked up to be? Do some research and brush up on the different�types of mattresses�so that you can approach your shopping trip with confidence and as an educated consumer. It will definitely work in your favor.
In The End, It�s All About Personal Preference
There is no mattress that is a one size (or type) fits all. Different people will respond differently to mattresses. The best thing to do is try them out. Spend at least 20 minutes laying down before you make the decision to purchase or not.
Finally, if you find that your�quality of sleep�has recently gotten worse, that you are tossing and turning or wake up with pain in your back, neck, or head, it could be time to change your mattress � or pillow. If you can see your mattress sagging, that could be another indication that it is time to get a new one.
Mattresses are designed to withstand a certain degree of wear and tear, but they don�t last forever. The quality, the weight and other factors contribute to how quickly it wears out. So if you notice any of the warning signs it may be time to get a new mattress so that you can get back to peaceful, restful sleep.
Injury Medical Clinic: Back Pain Care & Treatments
Pain Anxiety Depression�Everyone has experienced pain, however, there are those with depression, anxiety, or both. Combine this with pain and it can become pretty intense and difficult to treat. People that are suffering from depression, anxiety or both tend to experience severe and long term pain more so than other people.
The way anxiety, depression, and pain overlap each other is seen in chronic and in some disabling pain syndromes, i.e. low back pain, headaches, nerve pain and fibromyalgia. Psychiatric disorders contribute to the pain intensity and also increase the risk of disability.
Depression:�A (major depressive disorder or clinical depression) is a common but serious mood disorder. It causes severe symptoms that affect how an individual feels, thinks, and how the handle daily activities, i.e. sleeping, eating and working. To be diagnosed with depression, the symptoms must be present for at least two weeks.
Persistent sad, anxious, or �empty� mood.
Feelings of hopelessness, pessimistic.
Irritability.
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness.
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities.
Decreased energy or fatigue.
Moving or talking slowly.
Feeling restless & having trouble sitting still.
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions.
Thoughts of death or suicide & or suicide attempts.
Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause and/or that do not ease with treatment.
Not everyone who is depressed experiences every symptom. Some experience only a few symptoms while others may experience several. Several persistent symptoms in addition to low mood are�required�for a diagnosis of major depression. The severity and frequency of symptoms along with the duration will vary depending on the individual and their particular illness. Symptoms can also vary depending on the stage of the illness.
PAIN ANXIETY DEPRESSION
Objectives:
What is the relationship?
What is the neurophysiology behind it?
What are the central consequences?
Brain Changes In Pain
Figure 1 Brain pathways, regions and networks involved in acute and chronic pain
Davis, K. D. et al. (2017) Brain imaging tests for chronic pain: medical, legal and ethical issues and recommendations Nat. Rev. Neurol. doi:10.1038/nrneurol.2017.122
PAIN, ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION
Conclusion:
Pain, especially chronic is associated with depression and anxiety
The physiological mechanisms leading to anxiety and depression can be multifactorial in nature
Pain causes changes in brain structure and function
This change in structure and function can alter the ability for the brain to modulate pain as well as control mood.
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