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Back pain often comes with physical symptoms, such as muscle aching, numbness, or tingling. However, did you know that there might be a connection between back pain and depression? After all, severe pain and discomfort can wear a person down over time by keeping them from eating, sleeping, being active, and discouraging them from participating in other activities. Furthermore, some medications to treat back pain may also contribute to depression symptoms. Back Pain Can Cause Depression, and Depression May Cause Back Pain Backaches are a common symptom of depression, and some research suggests that people with severe depression might suffer from more pain than others. Additionally, depression may cause pain and inflammation through cytokines, which affect the immune system’s ability to fight infections. Moreover, depression may prevent people from exercising and strengthening their core, which puts added stress on the discs, joints, and ligaments in the back. This may make you more susceptible to lower back pain. Additionally, those suffering from depression might not eat nutritious food, increasing inflammation in their back. When we say that depression can cause back pain, we do not mean that the patient is making it up in their head. While depression is a mental illness, it can affect every part of the body, turning into physical injuries like back pain. Depression Might Have an Effect on Patients Recovering from Surgery In addition to back pain causing depression and vice-versa, those recovering from back surgery might also suffer from depression, negative thought patterns, and personality traits that can harm health. Experts believe this is due to the impact these psychological factors have on motivation, sleep quality, and the ability to perceive improvements, all of which play a role in the healing process. That is why you must speak to your back doctor about depression symptoms before, during, and after treatment or surgery. Treating Back Pain and Depression Requires a Thorough Approach Those with depression seeking treatment for their back pain typically think if they can get rid of their back pain, they will also rid themselves of their depression. To some extent, that might be true. However, once you fully understand how interconnected depression and back pain are, it makes sense to treat both simultaneously. That is especially true for patients considering back surgery to give them the greatest potential for the best results. Treatments for back patients also experiencing depression might include psychological counseling, relaxation training, and behavioral therapy. Furthermore, some medications can also reduce depressive symptoms and back pain because they work within the brain to boost their mood and pain perceptions. Another way to treat depression and back pain together is through aerobic exercise, which stimulates serotonin levels in the brain and spurs the release of endorphins to relieve both depression and pain. However, you must always consult with a doctor before beginning an exercise program. Speak to the Back Doctors at New Jersey Spine & Orthopedic Today If you are experiencing back pain and depression, do not hesitate to contact the

Summer is almost over, and students across the country are getting ready to return to school. However, a return to education might also mean the return of back pain for some students. Back pain can result in severe pain and discomfort, making most everyday tasks like going to school painful. However, there are five ways to go back to school without back pain, such as practicing good posture, buying the right backpack, and more. Practice Good Posture When your child is spending up to eight hours a day sitting at a desk, the way they sit matters to the health of their spine. Too many kids tend to slouch in their seats or sit with their shoulders rounded, putting unnecessary strain on the spine. Instead, encourage them to practice good posture when sitting by: Keeping their feet flat on the floor in front of you. Holding their arms at your sides so they form an L-shape at the elbow. Keeping their back against the back of the chair. Keeping their head straight and adjusting your entire body when looking in a different direction. Before school starts, practice good posture with your child at home. Then, remind them to check and adjust their posture multiple times throughout the day. Buy the Right Backpack High school and college students must carry books from class to class, so your child likely spends most of their day wearing their backpack. Backpacks that do not fit well can put downward pressure on the lower back. When buying a backpack, choose one with padded straps and a waistband. The waistband helps balance the load equality across the shoulders and keeps the backpack from pulling on the back. Additionally, encourage your student to use both straps. Some kids like only to use one, which puts uneven pressure on the spine. Wear the Right Shoes Flip-flops and Crocs might be the most popular shoes among students of all ages, but they are less than ideal to wear all day. Depending on the campus, high school or college students can walk many miles a day, and wearing the wrong shoes can put unneeded stress on the spine. Furthermore, flip-flops may cause a student to trip and fall, causing back pain. Instead, invest in a comfortable, supportive, and well-fighting sneaker for daily use. Warm-Up Before Sports and Exercise Back pain is common among student-athletes, but your child does not have to forgo sports or exercise to maintain a healthy back. In fact, regular exercise may help them maintain a healthy weight, which is great for back health. When they do participate in sports or general exercise, they must adequately stretch and warm up first. Doing so may prevent strains and sprains. Maintain a Healthy Diet Life can be hectic during the school year, but maintaining a healthy diet is crucial to your back health. Diets rich in vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation throughout the body, helping prevent and manage back pain. Foods to include your child’s