Back injuries create numerous physical issues for the people who suffer from them. Back problems can rob a person of mobility and create daily, chronic pain.
Fewer people talk about the potential mental and emotional effects that come from chronic pain and back injuries. However, these aspects can be just as much of a problem as the physical impacts.
Chronic pain and depression
According to the International Association for the Study of Pain, pain can and often does lead to depression. Not only that, but it can create or worsen numerous other mental health issues as well. This includes anxiety, agoraphobia, trauma and stressor-based disorders and more.
Chronic pain in particular holds many ties with mental health disorders, especially anxiety and depression. Studies speculate that these ties exist due to the uncertainty of a person’s future with chronic pain.
Mental reactions to an indefinite timeline
Many with chronic pain simply do not know when, or if, they will ever find true relief. They might have to live with mild, moderate or even severe pain on a near-daily or daily basis for weeks, months or years. Over time, dealing with constant pain with no set end can drive people into depression. It can even change a person’s personality, taking those who are more positive and souring their outlook.
Of course, how a person mentally reacts to chronic pain depends on numerous factors. This includes the type of injury, the intensity of the pain and its location, the prognosis for healing and the personality of the individual.
When an injury is due to someone else’s negligence, the injured person may be able to seek compensation when physical pain causes mental suffering. This compensation can be key to a complete recovery.