Can Chronic Pain Impact Mental Health?

chronic pain and mental health treatment at ptcoa

Chronic pain is a significant source of stress for millions of Americans. It can rob a person of energy, motivation and joy. It can interfere with work, relationships, travel, family time and hobbies. Unsurprisingly, chronic pain is also associated with mental health issues like depression and anxiety.

Effective pain management is a huge part of maintaining both your physical and your mental health.

This month, Pain Treatment Centers of America is exploring some of the ways chronic pain can impact your mental health--and what you can do to get back to living.

Chronic Pain Increases Risk of Depression--and Vice Versa

Individuals who are diagnosed with depression are three times more likely to suffer from chronic pain than the average person.

Similarly, people with chronic pain are more likely to develop anxiety and mood disorders.

Why are depression and chronic pain linked?

Research shows that individuals suffering from chronic pain can experience changes in the areas of the brain that control the cognitive and emotional modulation of pain.

Additionally, being in pain can limit a person’s ability to take part in activities that improve mental health.

For instance, when a person is in pain, they limit their physical movement and often isolate themselves from the outside world. Lack of physical movement can exacerbate the physical symptoms of pain. Isolation can worsen feelings of anxiety and depression surrounding relationships, work and leisure.

As physical pain worsens, depression often worsens, too.

In fact, depression and physical pain are so intertwined that the presence of one often makes it difficult to diagnose the other. Individuals who visit their primary care doctor to seek treatment for pain often report only the physical symptoms of their condition. As a result, treatment is often unsuccessful.

Depression Can Make Pain Worse

Aches and pains are some of the key physical symptoms of depression. In fact, one study showed that a depressed mental state can make physical pain more noticeable and more unpleasant.

In that study, respondents who reported severe physical pain were often more depressed than those who reported average levels of pain.

Certain Pain Conditions Have a Higher Risk of Depression

Individuals suffering from chronic pain syndromes like fibromyalgia or neuropathy are more likely to experience depressive symptoms.

Fibromyalgia , in particular, heightens the risk of becoming depressed. Researchers have found that fibromyalgia and depression share a similar pathophysiology and cause similar symptoms, including sleep disturbances, digestive problems, and physical pain.

Neuropathy also shares pathogenic mechanisms with depression and anxiety.

Treating Chronic Pain and Depression

A number of treatments can help individuals suffering from both chronic pain and depression:


  • SSRI Antidepressant Medications - Antidepressants have been shown to provide pain relief for pain caused by arthritis, diabetic neuropathy, peripheral neuropathy, fibromyalgia and other diseases.
  • Tricyclic Antidepressant Medications - This type of antidepressant works especially well on neuropathic pain.
  • Physical Therapy - Regular, light-to-moderate physical activity improves range of motion, flexibility, strength and balance. Specialized physical therapy can help individuals learn how to exercise efficiently and to target areas of the body that are weak or inflexible. Physical therapy can also relieve chronic pain and allow people to return to the hobbies and activities that they love.
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - Used together with additional pain management techniques, cognitive behavioral therapy can help improve symptoms of depression over time.

If you suffer from chronic pain and are concerned about your mental health, it’s important to visit a comprehensive pain specialist.

PTCOA: Comprehensive Pain Management

Effective pain management requires more than just medication. Comprehensive pain management considers all aspects of a person’s pain, including physical, mental, and emotional factors.

Pain Treatment Centers of America can help you establish a pain treatment plan that provides relief and helps you get back to living.

Contact us today to learn more or to schedule your appointment.

When Pain Isn’t Structural: Understanding Neuropathic Pain

June 26, 2026
Pain is often associated with injury, arthritis, or another structural problem in the body. However, not all pain comes from damaged bones, joints, muscles, or tissues. Sometimes, the nervous system itself causes discomfort. This pain is called neuropathic pain and can greatly affect quality of life. At Pain Treatment Centers of America, we help patients determine the source of their symptoms and develop personalized plans to manage chronic nerve pain effectively. What Is Neuropathic Pain? Neuropathic pain happens when nerves are damaged, irritated, or dysfunctional. Unlike pain from injury or inflammation, it results from abnormal signaling within the nervous system. These disrupted signals cause the brain to sense pain even without ongoing tissue damage. Patients commonly describe neuropathic pain as burning, tingling, shooting, electric-like, or stabbing. Some may experience numbness, elevated sensitivity to touch, or pain that seems disproportionate to any physical findings. Common Causes of Neuropathic Pain Neuropathic pain can develop from a variety of conditions that affect the nerves or nervous system. Some common causes include: Diabetes-related nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy) Herniated discs are causing nerve compression Shingles and postherpetic neuralgia Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) Multiple sclerosis Spinal cord injuries Stroke-related nerve damage Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy Symptoms can vary widely, so proper evaluation is key for accurate diagnosis and efficient treatment. Neuropathic pain is often challenging to identify because imaging exams like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs may not always reveal the source of the problem. Patients may experience significant pain despite having slight structural abnormalities. A complete evaluation includes medical history, physical exam, neurological assessment, and diagnostic tests when needed. Identifying nerve involvement is critical because neuropathic pain often responds differently to treatment than musculoskeletal pain. Treatment Options for Neuropathic Pain Successful treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause when possible while reducing symptoms and improving function. Depending on the patient’s condition, treatment options may include: Medication management designed specifically for nerve pain Nerve block injections Physical therapy and rehabilitation Spinal cord stimulation Lifestyle alterations Interventional pain management procedures Many benefit from an approach that combines several therapies for the best outcomes. When to Seek Professional Care Persistent burning, tingling, numbness, or shooting pain should not be ignored. Early diagnosis and treatment prevent worsening symptoms and improve long-term outcomes. If you have ongoing pain not connected to a structural injury, it may be time to explore if neuropathic pain is the cause. An extensive evaluation can determine the source of your symptoms and identify the most effective treatments. Personalized Neuropathic Pain Treatment at Pain Treatment Centers of America At Pain Treatment Centers of America, we understand that chronic pain is complex and every patient’s experience is unique. Our team uses sophisticated diagnostic tools and evidence-based treatments to identify nerve-related pain and create individualized care plans to improve comfort, mobility, and quality of life. If you are experiencing persistent nerve pain symptoms, schedule a consultation with Pain Treatment Centers of America today. Together, we can develop a treatment plan designed to help you regain control of your daily activities and move toward lasting relief.
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Understanding Medications & Pharmacologic Options for Pain Management

By Bob Berendsen • February 1, 2026
Chronic or acute pain has the potential to significantly impact your daily life, making even everyday tasks a hassle. Pain Treatment Centers of America believes that knowing your medication options is a crucial step in building an appropriate, personal pain management strategy. While many treatment options are available, pharmacologic therapy has been the peak of comprehensive care. Types of Medications Used in Pain Management Pain medications are not universalized. The selection of the right prescription depends on the pain type, severity, and medical history. Common categories include: 1. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, tend to be the first line of defense for low levels of pain. They reduce swelling and provide comfort associated with conditions like arthritis, back pain, or joint injuries. In some patients, however, they can affect the stomach or kidneys. Therefore, careful studying and dosing guidance from a professional is key. 2. Acetaminophen Acetaminophen is mostly for general pain reduction and is sometimes combined with other treatments. Unlike NSAIDs, it doesn’t target swelling. Nonetheless, it can be effective for pain relief and daily improvement. 3. Muscle Relaxants For pain caused by muscle spasms or tension, muscle relaxants can provide relief. These medications work by calming overactive muscles and are usually prescribed for short-term use to prevent dependency or side effects. 4. Antidepressants and Anti-Seizure Medications Certain antidepressants and anti-seizure drugs can treat neuropathic (nerve) pain. They work by altering how the nervous system processes signals of pain throughout your body. Even if you do not experience depression or seizures, these medications assist with pain control. 5. Opioids Opioids are strong pain-relieving medications chosen for more potent pain when other options aren’t doing the trick. At Pain Treatment Centers of America, we practice strict guidelines to minimize risks, evaluate patient progress, and ensure healthy, responsible use. A combination of Opioids can be introduced to other treatments as part of a multimodal pain management plan. Personalized Pain Management The effectiveness of medications is best when combined with other therapies; physical therapy, interventional procedures, and lifestyle changes. We work closely with each patient to structure a plan that focuses on the root cause of pain, not just the signs. Every treatment plan is carefully engineered, giving thought to variables like medical history, existing conditions, and possible side effects. Patients are taught how to use the medication safely, dosing schedules, and expectations of each prescription. Take the Next Step Understanding your medication options enables you to take charge of your pain and improve your life overall. If you’re having issues with chronic or acute pain, our professionals at Pain Treatment Centers of America will gladly help. We mix the most up-to-date pharmacologic therapies with personalized care to provide comfort, improve function, and enhance your total well-being. Schedule a consultation today to learn which pain management medications are a good fit.
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