Beyond the physical: Impact of mental health
It’s a million of cost questions, there are many people whom you come across and wonder how it is possible.
They will say that they are having very severe back pain and there is no relief, no matter, if they have been changing several orthopaedics, had undergone all diagnostics tests, and a huge number of medications from all points of view. They have done everything to get rid of it. However, their pain persists throughout. Orthopaedic pain is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. From chronic back pain to osteoarthritis, these conditions can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. An individual always has a perception of pain in a single area or multiple locations of the body. However, there will be no diagnostic evidence of the pathology. This means why is it happening, what’s the cause? All the x-rays and diagnostics tests seem to be normal. Then what is causing pain?
In recent years, there has been a growing understanding of the connection between mental health and orthopaedic pain. Research has shown that individuals who experience chronic pain are more likely to also experience depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Similarly, individuals with mental health conditions are more likely to experience chronic pain.
So how does mental health impact orthopaedic pain?
One of the keyways is the way that the brain processes pain signals. In individuals with chronic pain, the brain’s pain processing centres can become hyperactive, leading to increased sensitivity to pain. This hypersensitivity can be exacerbated by stress and negative emotions, further increasing the perception of pain.
In addition, mental health conditions can also impact a person’s ability to cope with and manage pain. Individuals with depression or anxiety, for example, may have more difficulty engaging in activities that could help alleviate their pain, such as exercise or physical therapy. They may also be more likely to rely on medications or other substances to manage their pain, which can lead to further negative health consequences.
So, what can be done to address the impact of mental health on orthopaedic pain?
The first step is to recognize the connection between the two. There should be screening patients for both orthopaedic pain and mental health conditions and treating both in an integrated and holistic manner. Sometimes, orthopaedic surgeons might think that treating depression is not their job or they don’t know how to help their patients if they identify depression symptoms. Muscle and bone doctors should focus on checking both the physical pain and mental health of their patients. It can be hard to make sure patients are safe and comfortable when there is a problem with people overdosing on drugs. Some doctors might not feel confident talking about mental health, or they might not have enough tools to do so. A study showed that only a small percentage of surgeons would screen patients for depression or refer them to psychological treatment.
Therefore, in addition, patients with orthopaedic pain can benefit from learning pain management techniques, such as mindfulness meditation and cognitive-behavioural therapy, which can help reduce negative emotions’ impact on pain perception. Exercise and physical therapy can also be effective ways to manage both orthopaedic pain and mental health conditions. By recognizing the impact of mental health on orthopaedic pain, and taking a holistic approach to treatment, we can help individuals manage their pain more effectively and improve their overall quality of life.
Dr. Gagan Deep Gupta is a well-respected orthopaedic surgeon in Chandigarh and Mohali, known for his expertise in knee replacement surgeries and pain management. However, he believes in a holistic approach to pain management and believes that surgery is not always the best solution. He encourages patients to explore non-surgical options such as physiotherapy, exercise, and lifestyle modifications. Dr Gupta also emphasizes the importance of mental health and psychological support in managing pain. He has received extensive training and has years of experience in his field, making him a trusted and reliable choice for those seeking orthopaedic care in the Chandigarh and Mohali areas. For more details visit drgaganorthosurgery.
