Back Pain Got You Down?

Anyone who has pain constantly and for a long time can become depressed. Pain has kind of a "wear and tear" effect on the mind. Depression is a common problem in adults with long-term back pain.

About a third of patients with back pain from spinal stenosis or disc herniation report depression. Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the bony canal around the spinal cord. Disc herniation occurs when the spongy material between the bones of the spine pushes out of its space.

Doctors don't know which comes first: the back pain, or the depression. This information is important because surgery is often the treatment for these back conditions, and depression is linked with poor results from surgery.

A new three-question survey helps identify people with back pain who are depressed. This will help direct treatment toward the mind as well as the body. The questions are easy to include in the patient's medical exam. Knowing if the patient is depressed will help doctors know when to avoid surgery or try other treatment methods.