When you have chronic back pain, there may be mental components that you have to deal with in addition to the physical. Studies have been conducted on the psychological ramifications of long-term, chronic pain, and it is not all in your head. Pain sufferers can be afflicted with several mental challenges.

One is the feeling of being isolated, and being different from everyone else. It seems like everyone else gets to lead their normal lives and youre stuck with pain and pain medication, physical therapy and/or all the time you just dont feel well. The isolation can include the feeling that only you have to go through the blood work, the treatments. Plus, youre the only one who knows exactly how much you can handle. Will you be able to make an appointment today? Does anyone else understand exactly how debilitated you sometimes feel? You might be resenting others free time; time away from pain and the ability to engage in activities other than pain management. You might begin to feel unlovable, like youre not worthy of consideration by other people鈥nother isolating feeling. You feel like since only you can feel the pain, and there is perhaps no outward manifestation visible to others, that what you are going through is not real. Feelings of helplessness are not uncommon.

Another psychological component to chronic back pain (or any chronic pain), is that you no longer feel "normal." Everyone else seems to be able to get out and do their jobs, maintain relationships and deal with the world. You might feel trapped by depression, which saps your will further of wanting to do anything. Your participation with others may be diminished by the combination of pain, pain medication, and depression, all leading to the feeling that you should isolate yourself. You may find yourself only wanting to stay at home and hiding from interactions because you feel inadequate, guilty, needy or unworthy of attention.

You might feel like its a weakness to ask for help, as independence is usually highly valued in our society. If you have to ask for help, it may feel like a blow to your self-esteem, only adding to your depression. Guilty feelings of perceiving oneself as a burden to others can further fuel the depression, making it seem like an unending cycle.

If you are feeling any of these symptoms of mental discord, seek help from your doctor. In addition, there are pain management counseling sessions with others who are in your same situation. The empathy a doctor or peer can provide can be invaluable to getting better, not only physically, but also mentally. A doctor may prescribe some medication to help with your symptoms of depression, and schedule talk sessions with you to manage your feelings. It is important to stay active. Wallowing in the negative feelings only leads to more negative feelings. It IS a cycle, one that its important for you to break in order to avoid a downward spiral. Doctors, friends, peer-groups, co-workers, relatives鈥ll can be invaluable resources towards you feeling better.