Antidepressants to relieve back pain

Researchers say that taking antidepressants can bring short-term relief from back pain. But you can also take other measures.

Doctors often prescribe anti-inflammatories and recommend a physical therapy for the treatment of back pain.

Antidepressant study to relieve back pain

A recent study by Australian and Dutch doctors showed that amitriptyline, an antidepressant, was effective in reducing short-term lower back pain.

But there is something negative.

While the antidepressant was effective for three months, its adverse effects were less significant after six months.

The researchers noted that while the study would be very helpful, its findings suggest that antidepressants may be beneficial for the relief of lower back pain – which is certainly less harmful than opioid treatment.

"This study indicates that when patients are treated with antidepressants, they do not bother them as much as they do," said Dr. Charla Fisher, assistant professor of orthopedic surgery at the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ottawa. New York University. "So, the degree of pain remains as it is, but the mental mind does not care about the difference in pain."

Tension and back pain

Although the physical source of low back pain can often be determined by testing, the mental and emotional imbalance of stress and depression tends to exacerbate the problem.

According to Ms. Fischer, one of the first steps in her conversation with a patient is to lose her daily life to identify potential stressors.

"I usually talk to them about how they go to work, what kind of work they do, how they like it, and how things work in general," he said. she said. "This opens the door to other issues that can bother them and give an idea of ​​their activities regarding what can cause back pain."

The fact that many people hold steady jobs during their daily work hours and then sit on their desks that day, often looking at the computer screen, is a sign of tension.

"All of these things are physically stressful, so there is emotional pressure," Fisher told Health Line. "Some people experience pressure in the stomach and contract irritable bowel syndrome, some people feel anxious, some people have back pain, all of which depends on the individual."

When it comes to diagnosis, simple magnetic resonance imaging or X-rays can give doctors an idea of ​​the physical factors – whether degenerative, traumatic or deformed – that contribute to back pain.

But it is difficult to analyze the extent of the pain caused by these physical factors and the magnitude of the stress.

"If you have something you can see on MRI or X-rays, this may indicate the presence of any type of depression or anxiety compounds," Fischer explained. "We do not see many patients for whom we can be diagnosed as being more concerned about mental or physical problems, it's really hard to discover, is tension a component? tend to treat everything with natural and anti-inflammatory treatments to treat their muscle injuries. "

Work environment and physical activity

Most of us do not have the luxury of being able to leave a stressful job, but there are ways to make things more likely.

Dr. Fischer says she encourages patients to make minor but significant changes to improve comfort throughout the day, starting with morning mobility.

"I start by making sure they are comfortable with their movements," she said. "I also make sure that their carrying bag at work or at school is not too heavy, as this can be an additional stimulus for pain. workplace, I discuss with them human engineering to make sure their backs and necks are in good condition.

She says it's good to sit down to do the work, but problems can arise when there are many uninterrupted sessions on working days.

"It does not have to be very bad to sit, but it lasts 10 hours at a time, directly, and it's really devastating and can cause cramps and pain," she said. "So, I'm talking to patients about taking a break or working in a comfortable office."

To break the circle of engagement, Fisher advises to get up every hour and drink water. Another way to reduce stress, eye fatigue, is simply to look to the outside.

"Look at something natural from a distance," Fisher said. "Workers can have stress-related problems by looking at the screen all day long, so if they change their target and move away from them, it can help to relax their eyes, also reduces the risk of headaches and neck pain. "

It is also important to take advantage of the time allotted during breaks and lunch time.

Fisher says socializing with colleagues provides valuable stimulation and social commentary. The spacers are also an excellent opportunity to walk around.

"Get up and walk," Fisher said. "Getting out of the office for lunch is always good – getting fresh air and sun not only helps to improve your back pain, but that's all." It's a good and gentle exercise for the muscles in your back I am a big supporter of walking. "