Pain, Depression Often Travel Together

Q:  For the last several years I’ve been suffering from terrible pain. It all started, I believe, from over 20 years of physically demanding work as an aircraft mechanic.

I finally had to quit and have spent the last three years of my life in and out of doctor’s offices and have had many surgeries to relieve my pain, with little in the form of relief to show for it.

I’m really depressed about the possibility that this is the way that I will live the rest of my life. Is there anything that I can do?

A:  Chronic pain is defined as a condition that lasts a month or more beyond the usual recovery period for an illness or injury, or pain that goes on over months or years as the result of a chronic condition. As you may have already learned, chronic pain is a source of frustration for health care providers due to the difficulties in meeting the needs of those afflicted. Chronic pain also has an effect on family members, and if severe enough can undermine or threaten one’s financial security.

Often accompanying the physical pain is emotional distress that may be manifested as severe depression and anxiety. The physical pain for some becomes entwined with debilitating mental illness, increasing the complexity of management and often requiring providers with special expertise in this area.

The intensity of the pain that you are experiencing is sadly magnified by the fact that you are one of 86 million Americans who are experiencing chronic pain, with a projected annual cost to society of up to $90 billion dollars per year.

The treatment of chronic pain requires a team approach to achieve success. The team may include a physician who is a specialist in pain management (such as a neurologist, a physiatrist, or an anesthesiologist). There are mental health professionals who also participate as experts in rehabilitation. And of course, the team members include the individual with chronic pain and his or her family.

One goal in the process to increasing the patient’s functionality by providing some level of relief. In addition, the team must work to manage the expectations of patients and family. For many, total elimination of pain might not be possible. You need to be wary of any organization or product that promises total relief – these could result in needless expense or unnecessary treatments and procedures that make the situation worse.

Working with your family doctor and a pain management specialty group remains your best alternative or relief from your intense pain. The Froedtert & Medical College Pain Management Center, under the direction of Robert Kettler, MD is an excellent resource for consultation. You can reach the pain center at 414-805-6150. You can also visit the websites of the American Academy of Pain Medicine or the American Board of Pain Medicine.

For more information on this topic, see the HealthLink article Chronic Pain Can Steal Sleep, Work and Pleasure.

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