Depression and chronic pain: an interactive relationship

As I have experienced in my own practice, folks with depression often have a diagnosis of chronic pain, such as back pain or Fibromyalgia. When I take a clinical history, it's often a chicken-and-egg relationship. In fact, brain scans of each look almost identical. Treating one will inevitably help the other, and often the first step toward both is setting up a simple exercise routine--a 30 minute walk each day, or whatever you're capable of.

Learn more about the links between chronic pain and depression from the Mayo Clinic website.

Recent research indicates that EMDR may help with chronic pain, but more studies are needed.